Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has given a cautious welcome the announcement of a replacement build for the current Magilligan Prison but stressed that this must only be part of a broader agenda and debate about modernising the prison estate. Stephen Farry stated: “This is a welcome development insofar as it goes. Alliance […]
Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has hailed news that Northern Ireland is to have an Older People’s Commissioner but says that the Executive still has to do much more to improve the lives of older people. The Opposition MLA said: “This is good news. It’s time that older people had a voice. They deserve […]
Coleraine Alliance Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has blasted those involved in four break-ins at Millburn Coleraine Primary School in Coleraine since the visit of Education Minister Caitríona Ruane. The school principal said that the break-in may have occurred because loyalist elements were unhappy with the recent visit of the Minister. Cllr Barney Fitzpatrick said: “I am […]
Alliance MLA Anna Lo has called on people to buy local arts and crafts presents this Christmas to support the local arts sector. Anna Lo is herself buying two locally-made artworks as Christmas presents for some of her friends and family. South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo said: “People should support the local arts as […]
Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson Dr Stephen Farry expressed major disappointment that the Varney review into fiscal measures for Northern Ireland has ruled out a differential rate of corporation tax. He slammed the unimaginative approach from the British Government to effecting a step change in the Northern Ireland economy Dr Stephen Farry stated: “There are major […]
Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has backed calls to protect transferors rights and have equality which will ensure Protestant Churches enjoy the same representation on controlled school boards as the Catholic Church has on Maintained school boards. The Lagan Valley MLA said: “It is important that as we undergo the radical shake-up which is […]
Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has strongly condemned those involved on attacks on Orange Halls. He said that the attacks cause disruption in the community because many halls are used for hosting events and community matters Trevor Lunn MLA said: “Any attacks on public halls of any kind should be strongly condemned by everyone. “This is […]
Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long has slammed those involved in a paramilitary-style attack which took place in Braniel in East Belfast. The attack took place at the rear of houses in Ravenswood Park in the area. Cllr Michael Long said: “This was a savage attack on a young man carried out with an iron bar. […]
Queen’s Alliance Chair Michael Bower has slammed the DUP UUP and some Sinn Fein MLAs for their decision to back Reg Empey’s plan to raise student fees from £3070 to £3145 for the 2008/2009 academic year. He said “All the parties were against introducing top-up fees to Northern Ireland but it appears now some of […]
Alliance Culture Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA says unionists are running away from their responsibilities on the Culture Arts and Leisure Committee after they voted to adjourn it today. The meeting was to discuss designs for an all-sports stadium at the Maze. He called their actions a walkout and said what they did […]