Alliance Leader David Ford has thanked Peter Hain for his work as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and welcomed his successor, Shaun Woodward, to the post. It was announced today that Shaun Woodward would take over the post, with Peter Hain becoming Minister for Work and Pensions in Gordon Brown’s new cabinet. David Ford […]
Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Maíre Hendron has blasted the perpetrator of a bogus caller robbery in East Belfast last night. A man claiming to be from the Housing Executive, stated he was at the house in Hillsborough Drive to fit safety equipment – he stayed for 20 minutes and left in the direction of the Castlereagh […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has today paid tribute to Tony Blair and commented on his successor Gordon Brown. Mr Brown is replacing Tony Blair as Prime Minister today. Commenting on Tony Blair, David Ford said: “People in Northern Ireland appreciate the massive amount of energy that he put into the search for a settlement, and […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has welcomed Health Minister Michael McGimpsey’s announcement today of a zero tolerance policy on violence against healthcare staff; however, he said that the move must have substance behind its spin. The Opposition Health Spokesperson said: “This scheme must be real and be practical. It must be strongly enforced and […]
Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has demanded that a scheme to enhance security in the homes of older people be rolled-out across Northern Ireland. A 24-hour home support pilot scheme, which helps pensioners, was launched in Dungannon today by NIO Minister Maria Eagle. Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: “The home support scheme to help […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has slammed the Executive Parties for sending seven Ministers to the United States to the Smithsonian festival, stating that only Enterprise and Culture Ministers should be attending. The seven Ministers are in Washington for the event David Ford said: “It is ridiculous that seven of the Executive Ministers are going to […]
Alliance Economy Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has demanded to know about how cash that Northern Ireland receives every year from the UK Treasury is spent, and he said that it was time to end begging bowl politics locally. The East Antrim MLA stated: “Local people are fed up with the mentality of our politicians as […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has called on Environment Minister Arlene Foster to reform planning laws to make it easier for people to install green energy systems at home. He also asked the Minister to cut the level of bureaucracy people have to deal with when applying for grants to install renewable energy systems in their […]
Alliance MLA Anna Lo has today thrown down the gauntlet to the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, calling on his Department, OFMDFM to put forward an action plan to encourage more young people to get involved in public bodies. Her request came during Deputy First Minister’s Questions in the Assembly today. The South Belfast MLA […]
Following Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Edwin Poots’ reticence to commit to attending GAA matches, Alliance Shadow DCAL Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has asked the Minister if he will let him attend in his place, when invites are received. Edwin Poots revealed his reticence to attend these matches last week during Minister’s questions in the […]