Cochrane welcomes announcement of new windows work from Housing Executive

East Belfast Alliance MLA and Party Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane has welcomed news that 144 houses in the Lower Beersbridge and Mount area are set to get new double glazed windows fitted, saying the move will hopefully help people save on heating bills. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This is absolutely great news. I am […]

Ford hails Air Passenger Duty news but says full devolution crucial

Alliance Leader David Ford, who is MLA for the constituency in which International Airport is located, has welcomed news from Westminster’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith, that powers regarding Air Passenger Duty on direct long haul flights from Northern Ireland are being devolved. He said however that powers over APD in relation to […]

Lo says that Giant’s Causeway environment must be protected

Following the announcement that Runkerry golf resort has been given planning permission, Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said that while we need to make planning decisions that will boost Northern Ireland’s economy and tourism, we however need to protect the Giant’s Causeway environment and world heritage site. Anna Lo MLA said: “The Minister […]

Muir calls for Bloomfields to stub out smoking problem North Down

Alliance North Down Councillor Andrew Muir has urged Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor to more rigorously enforce no smoking rules after becoming aware of a new problem whereby shoppers are sometimes forced to battle through clouds of smoke to gain entry to the shopping centre. Cllr Muir remarked: “I was recently contacted by a constituent […]

Muir outraged Holywood Police Station marked for closure after £400k investment

North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has described plans to close Holywood Police Station as an ‘outrageous scandal’ after discovering that over £400,000 has been spent in recent years upgrading the station. Cllr Muir remarked: “I recently submitted a Freedom of Information request to ascertain amount spent on Repairs and Maintenance and Capital Works at […]

Cochrane expresses concern after staff threatened with knife during robbery at off-licence

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has expressed her concern after staff in an off-licence were threatened with a knife by a man during a robbery on the Castlereagh Road on Saturday night. No one was injured but the man made off with a sum of money. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “I am very concerned […]

Long condemns those behind attempted shooting in East Belfast

Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long has condemned the person behind an attempted shooting of a man on Pansy Street in East Belfast in the early hours of Saturday morning. A gunman approached the man and fired a shot but missed. The gunman then fled the scene. Naomi Long MP said: “The person behind this […]

Cochrane welcomes U-turn from Social Development Minister over arts grant

Alliance Social Development spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has welcomed the decision by the Social Development Minister to reinstate funding for the Laganside Events Grant after it was previously axed. £250,000 worth of funding for arts groups in the Cathedral Quarter in the next financial year. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This is excellent news that the […]

Anna Lo speaks out after being subjected to attempted carjacking today

South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has spoken out after she was subjected to carjacking attempt today, which happened near her constituency office in South Belfast. The person involved in the attempted carjacking was armed with a knife. He fled, leaving Anna unhurt and did not take her car. Anna has reported the incident to […]

McCarthy anger at Poots comment on gay blood donors

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has expressed anger and disgust at Health Minister Edwin Poots remarks as regards gay blood donation in which Mr Poots said “there is less risk associated with workers in the sex trade” than with gay men. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I am absolutely appalled at his despicable comments. I […]