Alliance Leader David Ford has thanked Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan for the excellent work she did in the role and praised her courage and impartiality. She is stepping down to be replaced by Al Hutchinson today. David Ford said: “I wish to pay tribute to Nuala O’Loan. She took on an extremely difficult task and […]
There is a Japanese proverb which says that “Vision without action is just daydreaming; action without vision is a nightmare”. The sad truth about the Draft Programme for Government is that it has neither enough vision to qualify as a daydream, nor enough action to qualify as a nightmare. It is more akin to sleep […]
So that’s it then. The end of history. Ian is sharing power with Martin, and Martin is sharing power with Ian. The chuckle brothers are chuckling and every problem dissolves into soft focus. We no longer need to worry about anything. The cunning plan has succeeded: the extremes have been brought into the centre, power […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has launched a scathing attack on the First Minister and Deputy First Minister over their hypocrisy on good relations and a shared future. He said that they were quite happy to engage in love-in style photocalls, but last week’s Programme for Government made no mention whatsoever of these two important issues. […]
Alliance Employment and Learning spokesperson Anna Lo has said that the recent devastating job losses in Limavady show the folly of the Executive’s failure to include education, training and skills among its priorities. The South Belfast MLA stated: ‘Ministers and MLAs from Executive parties have spent the week saying that the devastating news from Limavady […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has backed new legislation on the funding of political parties in Northern Ireland. From today, parties will have to declare donations over £5,000 to the Electoral Commission. David Ford said: ” I strongly welcome this new legislation as it ensures more transparency on party donations. This move into the 21st century […]
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has backed news that this Saturday’s Alliance Party Conference will put more pressure on the Executive and authorities to do more to combat human trafficking. Young Alliance’s Michael Bower will be tabling a motion on this issue following the overwhelming response to their petition on the issue at Queens […]
Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson has said that plans to review tobacco purchasing must result in an increase in the legal age of buying such products to 18. He also said that having such a long consultation period for an issue as clear cut as this one was unhelpful. Cllr Stewart Dickson said: “I welcome […]
Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Séan Neeson MLA has welcomed news that Newry-based pharmaceutical company Norbrook is to create up to 293 new jobs, saying it is much needed positive news following yesterday’s tragic losses at Seagate. The Opposition MLA said: “Today’s announcement is good news and is a very welcome boost to the Northern Ireland economy […]
Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn has demanded answers from the Executive on what it will do to promote good relations, after the four Executive parties signed off on a Programme for Government which contained no targets on racial equality. The Lagan Valley MLA stated: “To their eternal shame, the four Executive parties have signed off […]