The recent census results show that it is not the desire of the majority of Northern Ireland for a change to the constitutional position within the UK. Even the Irish Government has said that the conditions have not been reached for a border poll to be called. It would be a predictable outcome at unnecessary […]
There are several different styles of politics but perhaps the two most starkly contrasting are the politics of aspiration and the politics of fear. We have sadly seen more of the latter over the past number of weeks, with the unionist parties’ campaign helping to raise tensions on the already sensitive issue of flags through […]
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has criticised today’s speech by Prime Minister David Cameron in which he promised to hold a referendum on the UK’s EU membership. Mr Dickson stated that Northern Ireland benefits financially from several sources of funding that would be lost if the UK left the EU. Stewart Dickson MLA said: […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has welcomed the announcement by the Education Minister of £220 million of investment in 22 new school building projects. The Minster said it was unacceptable that children were receiving their entire primary education in temporary accommodation. Trevor said he hoped that the Minister would apply the same criteria to […]
The Irish Examiner has published the following retraction and apology following the publication of out of context quotes attributed to Naomi Long. “In an opinion column by Victoria White on Jan 10 last, comments were made about Naomi Long, the Alliance Party MP for East Belfast, and quoted her as stating that she had called […]
Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said that the campaign by Sinn Fein to have a border poll is inflammatory in the current climate. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “Raising the prospect of a border poll is inflammatory and reckless in the current climate. “Sinn Fein should not proceed with this campaign but rather should […]
North Down MLA Stephen Farry has responded to comments from DUP Leader Peter Robinson that dismissed an Alliance proposition for the regulating displays of flags and symbols in shared public space. Dr Farry has in turn stressed the importance of addressing any matter which creates division and intimidation if we are to build a shared […]
The Irish Independent has published the following retraction and apology following the publication of inaccurate quotes attributed to Naomi Long. Last week in his column, Eoghan Harris attributed to Naomi Long, the East Belfast Alliance MP, the words “just a meaningless piece of cloth,” in relation to the Union Flag and suggested on the strength […]
Alliance East Antrim MLA and Regional Development Spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has welcomed a new campaign from Translink entitled ‘Try the Train’. The new public awareness campaign highlights the benefits of rail travel following the introduction of a new timetable. Mr Dickson said that now is a great time for those considering their travel options […]
Alliance Councillor Andrew Webb has taken part in an all-party meeting with local traders in Belfast, aiming to work towards identifying solutions to the sharp downturn in trade many are experiencing The meeting, facilitated by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, was attended by representatives from the retail and hospitality sectors, providing a forum for them […]