Alliance Economy Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has welcomed news that the unemployment rate has dropped in Northern Ireland but said that the Executive must focus on moving the local economy away from dependence on public sector jobs. Figures released today show that unemployment has dropped from 4.2% in the previous quarter to 3.7% for the […]
Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has called for the authorities to further clamp down on the sale of illegal cigarettes stating that this trade hits local shops hard and often fills the coffers of paramilitaries. His comments come as it was revealed that local shops lose up to 20 thousand pounds every year because […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has stated that it is time that the Executive examined the pandemic of alcohol and drug abuse that affects local young people. He stated that the Ministers for Health and Education must consider stronger joined-up approaches to tackling these devastating issues. A Department of Health report released today has […]
Alliance Party Sports Spokesperson Cllr Michael Long, has stated that David Jeffery’s claims regarding sectarian abuse at the Ballymena United – Linfield match at the weekend underlines the need for laws to prevent racist and sectarian chanting, so that such claims can be fully investigated by appropriate authorities. Cllr Michael Long said: “David Jeffery’s claims […]
Alliance Leader and South Antrim MLA David Ford has called on Aer Lingus and pilots’ union Impact to have discussions urgently to quickly resolve problems over pay. He said that the two parties should resolve the matter speedily to ensure that there will be no detrimental effect on Belfast International Airport. Aer Lingus last week […]
Former Lisburn Mayor and Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that plans are to be unveiled to give Lisburn a 77 million pound housing boost. He did however call for the Minister Margaret Ritchie to ensue that local peoples’ views and needs are taken into account. Margaret Ritchie and her Department will […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has challenged the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to provide a concrete timeframe on the implementation of the Bamford Review on mental health. His call comes as Age Concern today published a report stating that government is failing older people on mental health matters. Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: “The […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has stated his anger over the High Court decision not to fund vital Alzheimer’s drugs on the NHS. Campaigners had lodged a case at the High Court to have these drugs available on the NHS but their case was turned down this afternoon. The Strangford MLA said: “These drugs […]
Alliance Vice Chair, Cllr. Michael Long has welcomed the announcement that the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie will consider the withdrawal Government funding for a £1.2 million programme for conflict transformation of loyalist paramilitaries in 60 days, following recent violence in Carrickfergus and Bangor associated with the UDA. Cllr. Long has said that all funding […]
Alliance health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has told local hospitals to do more to maintain the highest levels of hygiene in order to prevent its patients from contracting the MRSA virus. His remarks come in light of a new born baby that might have contracted MRSA at the Royal Victoria hospital, although their spokesperson has said […]