Lyttle welcomes Belfast Public Bike Hire scheme survey

East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the move by the Department of Regional Development to look into the possibility of a bike hire scheme in Belfast similar to London or Dublin. East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said: “The Department for Regional Development has not prioritised funding for public transport such as cycling. […]

McCarthy says Minister must provide clarity on health service proposals

Following media coverage of a leaked report into proposals for reform of the health service which could include 2,000 job losses, Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has called on the Health Minister Edwin Poots to provide clarity on plans. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “We need urgent clarification from the Minister as to what is […]

Investing in research and development helps businesses reach potential

Alliance Party Employment & Learning Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has encouraged businesses to consider the benefits of investment in research and development in order to maximise their economic potential. His comments come following the publication of the Innovation Benchmarking Survey Report which examined 600 businesses in Northern Ireland, the West of Scotland and the border […]

Dickson calls on Minister to hold emergency meeting over New York flight

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed serious concern about the impact of Air Passenger Duty on the Belfast to New York air route and he has called on the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Arlene Foster, to arrange an emergency meeting with Continental Airlines. Mr Dickson commented following asking the Minister an Assembly […]

Cochrane says action vital to safeguard New York air route

On the day that MPs are due to hear evidence regarding air passenger duty, Alliance Finance Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has called for action from the Westminster government to ensure Northern Ireland retains its air route to New York. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This is an issue of paramount importance. The New York route is […]

Hamilton shocked by Lurgan petrol bomb attack

Local Alliance representative Harry Hamilton has condemned the petrol bomb attack on a house on Mourne Road, Lurgan. The attack which happened on Tuesday night caused scorch damage to the house, no one was injured. Harry Hamilton said: “This was a sickening attack carried out by callous individuals who have no regard for the consequences […]

Time for a fair deal for newly qualified teachers

Alliance fair deal for newly qualified teachersEducation Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has called for extra measures to be taken to ensure that newly qualified teachers are given more opportunity to obtain classroom experience. Trevor Lunn MLA said: “When someone voluntarily retires and receives a pension package and payoff, should they be able to re-enter that […]

McCrea GAA twitter comments show his attitude to shared future

Alliance Culture, Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has condemned DUP MLA Ian McCrea’s comments on Twitter on GAA teams. Anna Lo said that his remarks were pathetic and she said that they displayed his views on a shared future. Anna Lo MLA said: “These were sad and pathetic comments from Ian McCrea. “These […]

Dickson concern at bomb components find in Louth

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has expressed deep concern at a bomb components find at Hackballscross in County Louth. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This is a deeply troubling find and it is extremely worrying that Gardaí believe that components found were to be used for a device in Northern Ireland. I want to take […]