Following reports that Minister Edwin Poots has warned that local government reform could collapse if boundaries cannot be agreed, Alliance Leader David Ford has said that the integrity of the boundary process must remain. David Ford said: “On Monday, I asked the Minister to provide a commitment that there would be no form of gerrymandering […]
Alliance Youth Chair Conrad Dickson has criticized comments by the Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey that some young people not in employment, education or training were like ‘vampires’ as they get up late and stay up all night. He said Sir Reg Empey should apologise for his remarks. Conrad Dickson said: “These comments […]
Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has welcomed news that an inquiry will be held into the price of electricity for businesses and said that the prices are costing jobs in Northern Ireland. Seán Neeson MLA said: “The price of electricity here is costing Northern Ireland jobs. It is hurting our economy and means that […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has said that the DUP and Sinn Fein need to calm down and take a constructive approach to ensure the effective devolution of policing and justice. David Ford said: “These parties are tying themselves in knots over the issue. They are doing themselves no favours and a calm approach would serve […]
Alliance Leader David Ford MLA has welcomed the comments from the First Minister Peter Robinson that the Police Full Time Reserve is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. David Ford MLA said: “Peter Robinson’s statement this afternoon recognising the operational independence of the Chief Constable is very important. It makes it clear that Jeffery […]
The Ulster Unionists, SDLP, DUP and Alliance Party met again at Stormont today for talks on the post-primary transfer issue, and they released this statement: “Progress is being made at our talks, they are at a sensitive stage. It is not in our interests to disclose more information at this time. “We will continue to […]
On the day that it was announced that unemployment increased in the third quarter of this year, Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has said the news shows clearly why Northern Ireland needs a green road to economic recovery strategy. He also slammed the Stormont Executive for its lack of an economic strategy for the […]
Alliance Party Environment Spokesperson Cllr Stewart Dickson has hit out at Minister Edwin Poots over his continued failure to impose a levy on plastic bags. Carrickfergus Councillor Stewart Dickson said: “Clearly, Northern Ireland is falling behind in the environmental protection stakes. “The Republic of Ireland led the way on the plastic bag levy – Wales […]
Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has expressed deep concern news at news that around 120 jobs could be lost at Halifax’s Mortgage Operation team in Cromac Square near Belfast city centre. Seán Neeson MLA said: “This is a deeply worrying development for those Halifax workers who might be affected by this announcement. Coming as […]
Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has responded to latest report on the Northern Ireland economy from Ernst & Young, authored by Neil Gibson, which predicts a longer road to recovery and the potential for a ‘double-dip’ recession. Stephen Farry stated: “This is a sobering report for everyone involved in the Northern Ireland economy. […]