Dickson says DUP have a major misunderstanding of judicial independence

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has criticised the continued statements from the DUP that are interfering in the judicial process. Both Sammy Wilson and Peter Robinson have refused to listen to senior judges who have said that politicians should not become involved in the judicial system. Stewart Dickson said: “The DUP have a major […]

Dickson says Robinson is only interested in politics of ‘us and them’

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said that Peter Robinson is increasing tensions by his continued claims that the PSNI and the judiciary are discriminating against loyalists. The First Minister has refused to back down despite the Lord Chief Justice warning of the dangers of politicians interfering in the judicial process. Stewart Dickson MLA […]

Alliance meets with PSNI over road safety issues in Dundrum

Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has highlighted the on-going problem of drivers speeding in the Dundrum area, during a meeting with local PSNI representatives. The Down District Councillor met with PSNI Area Commander Inspector Martin Trainor and Neighbourhood Sergeant James Mcllveen in Dundrum on Monday, March 5. The meeting followed a written request from Councillor […]

Dickson condemns death threat against McGuinness

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has condemned the death threat that has been issued to deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. The PSNI contact Mr McGuinness to warn him of a threat against his life by dissident republicans. It is believed the threat is linked to his recent condemnation of dissident terrorist activity. Stewart Dickson […]

Dickson supports Lord Chief Justice over opposition to judicial interference

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has backed the Lord Chief Justice over his opposition to interference in the judicial system. The Office of the Lord Chief Justice wrote to the Justice Committee saying ‘it is important, for the upholding of the rule of law and to maintain public confidence, that the judiciary are (and […]

Cochrane backs Office of Fair Trading report into payday loan companies

Alliance Finance spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has backed the report by the Office of Fair Trading into the practices of payday loan companies. The report found bad practice including the failure to determine if customers could repay their loan and also that many companies were relying on loans not being repaid. It has told the […]

Trevor Lunn opinion piece in the Belfast Telegraph on integrated education

Having more children taught in an integrated ethos will bring not just educational benefits, but economic and social benefits. However, we are not seeing these potential benefits, with only 6.6% of school places being at integrated schools. Alliance has long campaigned for an increased integrated sector, but so far we have not seen similar support […]

Ford and Long to meet Prime Minister over security situation

Alliance Leader and Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford MLA and the party’s Deputy Leader, Naomi Long MP, will meet with Prime Minister David Cameron MP in Westminster on Wednesday (6 March) to discuss the developing security situation in Northern Ireland. Speaking ahead of the meeting, scheduled to be held immediately after Prime Minister’s Question […]