Castlereagh East Alliance Councillor Judith Cochrane has said she is pleased that Tullycarnet Library will stay open but expressed annoyance at Libraries NI’s decision to close Gilnahirk library, saying its loss will have a negative impact on the community. She has campaigned for months to protect library services in the area. Cllr Judith Cochrane said: […]
Following Basil McCrea’s comments that Sir Reg Empey should vacate the UUP leadership immediately, and David Campbell’s subsequent comments, Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has said that the UUP appears in turmoil. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “The UUP appear to be in real turmoil at the moment. Firstly we have Basil McCrea saying Reg Empey should […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has welcomed the announcement by the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Patterson that the Bloody Sunday Report will be published on the 15th June. David Ford said: “I am glad that the House of Commons Speaker and the Secretary of State have seen this issue as being of significant importance […]
Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has responded to comments by the Culture Minister Nelson McCausland that the NI Ulster Museums organisation should take account of creationism, Ulster Scots and the Orange Order. Trevor Lunn MLA said: “Nelson McCausland appears to be demanding preference for a particular aspect of our culture in which he holds a clear […]
On the day that Health Minister Michael McGimpsey is to outline his budget plans Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has said that to ensure value for money we must end segregation in our society. He said that if the duplication of services is stopped we can better protect frontline services. Kieran McCarthy said: “There […]
Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has welcomed news that Airtricity is to offer a domestic electricity service and he says it could help drive down prices. Seán Neeson MLA said: “This positive move is long overdue and I would encourage other companies to get involved in domestic electricity market here. I have long campaigned […]
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has expressed deep sadness at the death of Lisburn-born Stephen Walker, a Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday. Corporal Walker of 40 Commando Royal Marines died after an explosion near a patrol base in the Sangin area of Helmand province. Trevor Lunn MLA said: “This is […]
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo is proposing a motion in the Assembly today to address cuts in community relations funding within the Department of Education, and here are excerpts of her speech, which may be subject to change on delivery. Anna Lo MLA said: “The Minister of Education, Caitríona Ruane, announced recently that she […]
Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has responded to the announced £128m cut to the Northern Ireland Budget announced today by the UK Chancellor as part of a £6bn programme of cuts, and stressed the importance of the Executive putting its own financial house in order. Stephen Farry stated: “The cuts announced today by […]
Local Alliance MLA David Ford is aiming to meet with the head of the Northern Health and Social Care Council to discuss the resourcing of Antrim Area Hospital, following the news of the transfer of Accident and Emergency services from Mid-Ulster and Whiteabbey Hospitals. David Ford said: “I am seeking an urgent meeting with the […]