Long welcomes Assembly consultation

Alliance MP Naomi Long has welcomed a consultation into the operation of the Northern Ireland Assembly launched by Secretary of State Owen Paterson. The consultation, which runs until 23rd October, will look at issues including dual mandates and transparency around political donations. East Belfast MP Mrs Long said it would confront problems Alliance has already […]

Cochrane encourages people to take part in Employers for Childcare survey

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has encouraged parents and guardians to take part in an Employers for Childcare survey. This is the third annual survey by the organisation, the aim of which is to get a clearer picture of the impact of childcare costs on parents and guardians across Northern Ireland. Judith Cochrane MLA […]

Lyttle says we must continue to invest in sporting future

Alliance Party Sports Spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, has said we must continue to invest in sporting talent for the future, as Rory McIIroy’s PGA win secured another sporting triumph for Northern Ireland. The MLA for East Belfast was speaking as the Holywood golfer reclaimed his number one position in the rankings, after breaking records to […]

Opinion Piece in Belfast Telegraph by Andrew Muir on racism

Everybody applauds achievements of Bolt but racism still remains Cllr Andrew Muir, Alliance Vice-Chair The enormous interest in the London Olympics has not surprised anybody. With so many athletes competing in one place, I wonder how anybody could fail to be inspired by one of the greatest events in the world. As a 10k road […]

Farry congratulates McIlroy on US PGA victory

Alliance North Down MLA Stephen Farry has congratulated Holywood golfer Rory McIlroy on his victory at the US PGA Championship. It is his second majors victory. Stephen Farry MLA: “I would like to pass on my congratulations on a thoroughly well deserved victory to one of Northern Ireland’s best global ambassadors, Rory McIlroy. “To win […]

Lo praises outstanding cultural opera at Belfast Zoo

Alliance spokesperson for Culture, Anna Lo MLA, has praised the work of the KT Wong Foundation, after attending the inaugural performance of Noye’s Fludde at Belfast Zoo, a joint-up production with NI Opera. The MLA for South Belfast has described the production as outstanding, calling on people to get involved and attend the remaining three […]

Blair congratulates boxer Paddy Barnes

Alliance North Belfast spokesman John Blair has congratulated boxer Paddy Barnes on a second Olympic bronze medal. The local boxer was closely beaten by China’s defending champion Zou Shiming in the light-flyweight semi-finals, on Friday, August 10. Councillor John Blair said: “I want to congratulate Paddy Barnes on yet another Olympic medal. “Paddy’s win today […]

Lo calls for Environment Agency to be given independence of DoE

Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has called for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to be given independence from the DoE. The Agency currents sits within the Department, yet nearly all Environment Agencies in other countries are independent of their Government. Anna Lo MLA said: “After a long campaign, Northern Ireland finally caught up with […]

Lo: We should be proud of Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre

Alliance MLA Anna Lo has said she believes ticket prices for the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre are fair, based on what’s on offer. The MLA for South Belfast made the comments during a visit to the National Trust site on Wednesday, August 8. She also praised the success of the centre, which has welcomed […]

Clarke welcomes commitment to repair National Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park

Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed a commitment being given by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development to carry out essential repairs to the glasshouses and built structures within the National Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park. Councillor Clarke had voiced his serious concern about the overall decline of the National Arboretum and other […]