Alliance leader David Ford MLA has told Social Development Minister Margaret Richie that her ultimatum given to the UDA over its funding is long overdue. Richie has stated that if the UDA does not start decommissioning within 60 days then their funding will be withdrawn. David Ford said: “I do not believe that the Minister […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has slammed comments from the Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Edwin Poots who has asked for theatre and television not to be covered by the recent smoking ban. The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey had previously rejected calls for this exemption and stated that the ban would be enforced everywhere. The […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has refuted suggestions from the UUP Leader, Reg Empey, that the PUP’s sole MLA, Dawn Purvis, was invited to join the United Community Group in the Assembly. David Ford said: “Over the weekend after the Assembly election, I spoke to both Dr Kieran Deeny and Brian Wilson. I invited them to […]
Alliance leader David Ford MLA has welcomed the announcement that Aer Lingus will be investing 100 million pounds and creating 100 new jobs with the establishment of its new regional hub at Belfast International airport. The South Antrim MLA said: “This is great news that a major airline has chosen to invest such a substantial […]
Following the news that Japan has refused to let Northern Ireland produce into their country, Alliance leader David Ford has called on Brussels to make sure that European countries realise that we are not affected by the foot and mouth outbreak. A veterinary meeting is scheduled for tomorrow in Brussels to look at the recent […]
Following a meeting with the agriculture minister, Alliance leader David Ford has stated that rural Northern Ireland can escape the problems of foot and mouth that is affecting Great Britain providing farmers take reasonable precautions. The South Antrim MLA has said: “It is clear that the department of agriculture has acted swiftly to keep the […]
Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has slammed the DUP Councillors in Ards who have displayed total hypocrisy over industrial de rating. Cllr McCarthy said that Ards Councillors recently met with leading local company Pritchitts and the Northern Ireland Manufacturers Focus Group and promised they would continue to support industrial de-rating. However, the day after that […]
Alliance Deputy Leader and Alliance City Hall Group Leader Naomi Long MLA has called on the UUP in City Hall to end their link with the UPRG in light of the recent violence involving the UDA in Carrick and Bangor. She called on the UUP to exclude the UPRG’s Frank McCoubrey from their grouping and […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has welcomed comments from the Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde that the funding for groups linked to the UDA should be stopped. The comments followed what the Chief Constable described as UDA-orchestrated violence in Kilcooley last night, during which shots were fired at the Police and extensive damage was caused after […]
Alliance Councillor Michael Long has condemned the sectarian abuse that has led to one GAA player quitting the sport. Darren Graham a Protestant who plays for Gaelic football side Lisnaskea Emmets in Fermanagh yesterday gave up the sport he loved following sectarian abuse from other players and fans. The Alliance party’s vice chairman who has […]