Long criticises Cameron negotiation tactics and says UK must remain key player in EU

Ahead of a House of Commons debate today, East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long has criticised David Cameron’s negotiating tactics regarding the recent EU summit and said the UK cannot become peripheral to EU affairs and must be shaping the way forward. Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP said: “It is crucial that the UK […]

Long says Titanic Signature building crucial for economy

Following the publication of an Audit Office report which said the Titanic Signature building might struggle to break even, East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long has said that the Titanic Signature Project is extremely important to the economy of both East Belfast and Northern Ireland. Naomi Long MP said: “The Titanic brand is one of […]

Cochrane backs freephone helpline to help address homelessness

Alliance Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has welcomed news that the Simon Community has marked the 40th anniversary of the organisation with the creation of a freephone helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The freephone line is a partnership between the Simon Community NI and the Supporting People […]

Dickson shocked at arson attack on Carrickfergus pub

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned those responsible for the arson attack on the Joymount Arms pub in Carrrickfergus at 2am on Monday morning. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I am shocked at this arson attack, those responsible must be condemned by all. This attack will be devastating for the owners of the pub. […]

Lyttle welcomes Executive action on fuel poverty

Alliance Party Spokesperson on matters relating to OFMdFM, Chris Lyttle MLA, has welcomed news of the fuel allowance scheme, funded by the Executive, which will assist more than 250,000 people in Northern Ireland. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “This is a very significant initiative. These are very difficult times and I am extremely glad that the […]

Cochrane reminds parents of the deadline for pre-school applications

East Belfast Alliance Party MLA Judith Cochrane has reminded parents of children born between 2nd July 2008 and 1st July 2009 that they need to apply for a nursery place over the next few weeks. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “As a mum of young children, I know how busy this time of year can be, […]

Alliance selects Vasundhara Kamble to replace Judith Cochrane on Castlereagh Council

Vasundhara Kamble has been chosen to replace Judith Cochrane MLA as an Alliance Councillor for the Castlereagh East area on Castlereagh Council. Vasundhara Kamble said: “It is a massive privilege to have been selected by the Alliance Party to be a Councillor for the Castlereagh East area. “I want to pay tribute to Judith Cochrane […]

Dickson gets officials come to Committee to discuss dealing with winter weather

At the Regional Development Committee meeting today, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson requested that DRD and NI Water officials come to the Committee to provide a mid-winter update on plans and progress regarding dealing with winter weather conditions. The committee agreed his proposal and officials will be coming to the Committee in the New Year. Stewart […]

Naomi Long’s speech on centenaries affecting the UK and Ireland

Here is the speech by East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long on her Westminster Hall debate today, the debate was titled: ‘Government preparations for centenaries affecting the UK and Ireland’. (Speech subject to change on delivery) The timing of this debate is, in many ways, very appropriate. Yesterday, the 6th December, marked the 90th anniversary […]