Alliance Party OFMDFM Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA spoke in today’s debate in the Assembly on the motion calling for the Executive to publish a new draft Programme for Government and he emphasised the need to tackle the cost of segregation within any new PfG. Here are excerpts from Chris Lyttle’s speech (subject to change on […]

East Belfast Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane is, along with a number of other MLAs, going to take part in an eight-week initiative organised by safefood to try and have a healthier lifestyle. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “Having a healthy lifestyle is so important and making a change in what you do and what you eat […]

Alliance Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has said the announcement by Firmus Energy that it is to raise its prices by more than a third in the greater Belfast area from 1 October is another bodyblow as regards fuel poverty following other announcements on energy prices. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This news is yet […]

Upper Bann Alliance Representative Harry Hamilton has condemned those involved in an incident in which petrol bombs were thrown at police attending a security alert in Lurgan. Harry Hamilton said: “This was a disgraceful incident. People in the area are disgusted with those who seek to cause chaos through actions like this. “We need to […]

North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has launched a petition against the proposed drastic cut in opening hours at Holywood and other libraries. The Alliance representative is concerned that the cuts could mark the end for some libraries whilst also restricting access to these vital community resources. Commenting on the issue, Cllr Muir stated: “Libraries […]

Alliance Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has today spoken in the Assembly on a motion about fuel poverty saying the issue has reached crisis levels. She also took part in a photocall today at Stormont with Power NI to encourage customers to save on their energy bills. Here are excerpts of Judith Cochrane’s speech […]

Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has called on Down District Council to develop a plan to enable Newcastle to move towards Blue Flag status following the upgrade of the Water Treatment Works at the Harbour. The implementation of such a plan would enable Newcastle to regain Blue Flag status in the near future once the […]

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther is calling for the Assembly to take more action on renewable energy, saying that a smart grid should be constructed for Northern Ireland and that progress should made to harness geothermal energy here. Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: “We need to be radical on our renewable energy policy to […]

Alliance East Belfast MP, Naomi Long, and Castlereagh Central Councillors, Michael Long and Carole Howard, have expressed their concern at proposals from Libraries NI to reduce the opening hours at Cregagh Library by a quarter, from 40 to 30 hours per week. They have stated that, following on from the Stage 1 review, during which […]

Former Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin, who recently had a motion on addressing peace walls passed at Belfast City Council has welcomed the announcement that a new gate is being opened at a peace wall in the Alexandra Park area of North Belfast. The Alliance Councillor said: “This is brilliant news and it demonstrates […]