Vandalism in Clanvaraghan Condemned

Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has condemned the recent vandalism and burning of four wheelie bins in Clanvaraghan outside Castlewellan in the early hours of Saturday morning. Councillor Clarke also described the damage to a 30mph speed limit sign and neighbourhood watch sign which was also ripped down as senseless. Cllr Patrick Clarke stated: “I […]

Long to meet Algerian ambassador over religious freedom

Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long will tomorrow (Wednesday) meet with the Algerian Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Mr Amar Abba, to discuss the ongoing issue of religious freedom in the north African country. The meeting has been organised by the Open Doors Advocacy group, which aims to help persecuted Christians by highlighting their […]

Howard says home owner had lucky escape following car crash

Alliance Castlereagh Councillor Carole Howard has said the incident in which a car crashed into a house was a lucky escape for the home owner. A car crashed into the house on Whincroft Road on Tuesday afternoon after the driver lost control of his vehicle. The elderly driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. […]

Long condemns latest security alert in East Belfast

East Belfast MP Naomi Long has condemned those behind the second security alert to strike East Belfast in two days. The Alliance MP was speaking as the Abetta Parade area of her constituency was sealed off on Tuesday, close to where a viable device was discovered the previous day and situated close to Elmgrove Primary […]

Dickson presses Minister on sectarian graffiti and flags

Alliance Regional Development Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has press the Regional Development Minister on the issue of tackling sectarian flags and emblem. He submitted a question to the Minister, Danny Kennedy, on the issue and has received an answer from the Minster. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I welcome the Minister’s statement that he does not […]

Girvan welcomes rejection of planning application for Ballymorran Bay

Local residents from Ballymorran Bay, Killinchy, have been successful in getting a planning application to develop a commercial tourist amenity block, picnic area and car parking in a field opposite the existing slipway and key withdrawn. Alliance councillor Deborah Girvan explained, “I was contacted by residents from the surrounding area about a planning application which […]

Speech by Judith Cochrane on Northern Ireland Economic Strategy

Here are excerpts from the speech by Alliance Finance Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA on the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy in the Assembly today (subject to change on delivery): “There is much to welcome in the content of the document, including strong commitments on Research & Development; improving our economic skills base; encouraging export driven companies; […]

Lyttle and Cochrane and new MBE celebrate no smoking day with British Lung Foundation

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) will celebrate No Smoking Day on Wednesday 14th March with local politicians and newly appointed MBE, Anne Marie Marley. The BLF is offering free lung function tests and information to shoppers in Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast, from 10am-4pm, as part of the first ever ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign in Northern […]