Clarke condemns attack on Knockevin Special School

Down District Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has strongly condemned damage at a special school attacked by vandals at the weekend. The damage at Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick, has been estimated at £30,000. A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary. Six buses had been damaged, as well as doors of three rooms […]

Dickson says those behind pipe bombs in Derry are offering nothing to our society

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has stated that those behind the two pipe bombs that were found in Derry last night are offering nothing to our society. The two devices were found in a bag near Derry City Council Offices on Strand Road. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “The people responsible for these pipe bombs […]

Cochrane welcomes commitment to ban irresponsible drinks promotions

Alliance Social Development spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has welcomed the commitment by the Department for Social Development to bring new regulations into place to ban irresponsible drinks promotions. The ban will take place from January 2013 and will affect promotions such “as all you can drink for £20”. The proposal follows the completion of a […]

Hendron welcomes broadband investment

COUNCILLOR Máire Hendron has welcomed news Belfast is to become super-connected due to the latest broadband investment in the city. The government is set to invest almost £14m into super-fast broadband in Belfast, with additional plans to offer free wireless internet access throughout the city. Councillor Máire Hendron said: “This is fantastic news for Belfast, […]

McCarthy criticises Health Committee decision to go to Cuba

Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has criticised the decision by the Health Committee to send the Chair Sue Ramsey, Vice Chair Jim Wells and the Committee Clerk to Cuba to attend a Health Conference. Cuba is seen as having an extremely efficient health system. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “While I acknowledge that Cuba has a […]

Alliance say comprehensive mechanism needed to deal with the past

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has stated the importance of having a comprehensive mechanism on dealing with the past that has the support of all parties and Governments. He raised the issue by proposing it as an amendment to a motion in the Assembly on the Troubles. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “We need to […]

Cochrane welcomes advancement of Business Improvement Districts legislation

Alliance Finance spokesperson Judith Cochrane has welcomed the completion of the second stage in the Assembly of the Business Improvement Districts legislation. The legislation will provide regulation to allow traders to gain access to extra services following the payment of a levy once a BID area has been established. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “Having first […]

Dickson calls for action to help those affected by FG Wilson jobs announcement

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has welcomed the work by the Department for Employment and Learning and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to help those who will be affected by the FG Wilson jobs announcement, by saying that it is time for action to help get them regain employment. Stewart Dickson MLA […]

Dickson criticises other parties for not debating economic issues

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has criticised the decision by other parties at the Assembly not to put forward debates on the economy. Stewart has said with the job losses announcement by FG Wilson that will have a devastating impact on the Northern Ireland economy, that it is time for other political parties to […]