Alliance to challenge Castlereagh Unionists on Belfast Statutory Transition Committee decision

Alliance Councillor Michael Long has criticised Unionists in Castlereagh for ignoring advice from the Environment Minister and refusing to support an Alliance nominee for the Belfast Statutory Transition Committee. Specific guidance from the Environment Department – tabled before last night’s meeting in the form of a letter to the Mayor from the Minister – stipulates […]

Unionists defeat Alliance motion calling for the recording of all meetings for a second time

A motion brought forward by the Alliance Castlereagh group calling for all Council meetings to be recorded has been defeated for a second time. Originally tabled by the Party last November, if given the go-ahead the move would have allowed greater openness and transparency for Castlereagh residents. Speaking after the motion was rejected a second […]

Lyttle calls on Irish Government to reconsider Bethany Home decision

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said that the Irish Government should reconsider their decision to exclude Bethany Home survivors from the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme. Incidents of abuse and neglect have been reported by formers residents of the institution that was located in Dublin. It was a place for unmarried Protestant mothers and […]

Lyttle says there is an opportunity for parties to agree on a flags protocol

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle has said the upcoming cross party talks are an opportunity for political parties to agree on a flags protocol after OFMDFM failed to complete their review of this protocol. His comments were made after DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said the current protocol was working correctly and so there was no […]

McCarthy offers condolences following death of young boy

Alliance Agriculture spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has offered his condolences to the family of 6 year old Harry Starrett who died on a farm near Armagh on Tuesday . Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I was very saddened to learn of this tragedy. I would like to express my condolences and deepest sympathies to the Starrett […]

Lyttle says Investment Strategy lacks detailed action for a shared future

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a statement from the First and deputy First Minister on the 2011 -2021 Investment Strategy, but says it lacks action for a shared future. Chris Lyttle MLA said:”I welcome this update from the First and deputy First Minister on the Investment Strategy, but it is short on […]

Blair says Orange Order must enter talks following Parade Commission ruling

Alliance North Belfast representative Cllr John Blair has said that the Orange Order must enter talks following the decision of the Parades Commission to prevent them from marching past the Ardoyne shops on Saturday. The Orange Order has applied to walk along this route for the next three Saturdays. Cllr John Blair said: “The Orange […]

Cochrane welcomes commencement of work on Connswater Community Greenway

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has welcomed the commencement of work on the Connswater Community Greenway, which will serve as an integral part of the existing Greenway network connecting East Belfast residents to the City Centre. Belfast City Council has confirmed work is now underway at Victoria and Orangefield Parks, with the construction programme […]

Lo urges the public to clean up their litter when visiting beauty spots

Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has urged the public to pick up their litter when they are going out on day trips around Northern Ireland. A number of locations, including many beaches, were badly littered during the recent good weather. Anna Lo MLA said: “Northern Ireland has some magnificent locations to visit for a […]