Leading Alliance politicians have said the party has been completely vindicated following the collapse of a case taken by Margaret Hawkins, and they stated that major questions must be raised about the role of the Equality Commission in this tribunal. Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long said: “I am delighted that the Alliance Party has been […]
Alliance Party Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has said that delays within the Stormont Executive are damaging public confidence in politics in Northern Ireland . He said that the failure to deal with the June Monitoring Rounds in the Assembly this week highlights this. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “Last year we had a long stalemate […]
Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Alan Lawther has welcomed comments from new Environment Minister Edwin Poots saying he is considering introducing a levy on plastic bags. Alan Lawther said any such move is long overdue and would provide a significant boost for environmental protection. Cllr Alan Lawther said: ” Alliance has long campaigned for the creation of […]
Alliance Party MLA Kieran McCarthy has said that people must be very vigilant against swine flu following Health Minister Michael McGimpsey stating that 33% of people in Northern Ireland could be affected. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “Vigilance against swine flu is important now more than ever. “It is worrying that Minister Michael McGimpsey has said […]
Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said the Education Minister’s Transfer 2010 paper provides “welcome clarity of what the Minister wants to achieve, if not how she intends to get there.” Trevor Lunn MLA said: “There is a total lack of sanctions available to use against those who ignore the guidelines. “Even though the […]
Alliance Party MLA Kieran McCarthy has revealed he has received notification from Minister Conor Murphy that Northern Ireland residents aged 60 and over can travel free on the Rathlin Island ferry. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I am very pleased that Senior SmartPass holders can travel for free on the Rathlin ferry. This is another piece […]
I am very heartened by the response from all Members and parties today. I particularly welcome the First Minister’s strong words and his sincerity and commitment to deal with the problem of sectarianism and racism. However, I am also saddened by some of the comments, which seemed to me to be defensive and to stereotype […]
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has stated that urgent progress is needed on the redevelopment of the Maze as opportunities may be lost if there are further delays. His comments come as it appears a Development Corporation will be created for the Maze site. He also commented on news that Environment Minister Sammy Wilson […]
Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has slammed the failure of the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a June Monitoring Round statement before the Assembly’s summer recess. This statement should have been given to the Assembly this week by the Finance Minister. Stephen Farry pointed out that there are important issues of public interest […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has welcomed the progress made by the UVF and Red Hand Commando on decommissioning saying these are significant moves, and she has called on the UDA to fully decommission also. Her comments come as the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning said it had witnessed a ‘major decommissioning event’. Naomi […]