06/09/2001
Neeson quits as Alliance Party Leader
The leader of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland, Sean Neeson, has resigned.
The East Antrim assembly member said he was stepping down because he felt it was time for "a new face with fresh energy " to lead the party.
The move follows the recent appointment of Eileen Bell as the Alliance Party’s Deputy Leader.
However, it is believed Mr Neeson will stay on as leader of the party until a successor is found. He was elected leader exactly three years ago this month, following Lord Alderdice's resignation.
The Alliance Party, which currently holds five seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, has suffered a huge slide in its electoral fortunes in recent years. In the party’s heyday in the 1974 district council elections Alliance pulled in 14.4 per cent of the vote, but in the recent Westminster election Alliance candidates could only manage to attract 3.6 per cent of the electorate.
Former deputy leader Seamus Close stepped down in July citing difficulties within the party leadership, in particular the controversial decision not to field a candidate in the North Down Westminster election. (MB)
The East Antrim assembly member said he was stepping down because he felt it was time for "a new face with fresh energy " to lead the party.
The move follows the recent appointment of Eileen Bell as the Alliance Party’s Deputy Leader.
However, it is believed Mr Neeson will stay on as leader of the party until a successor is found. He was elected leader exactly three years ago this month, following Lord Alderdice's resignation.
The Alliance Party, which currently holds five seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, has suffered a huge slide in its electoral fortunes in recent years. In the party’s heyday in the 1974 district council elections Alliance pulled in 14.4 per cent of the vote, but in the recent Westminster election Alliance candidates could only manage to attract 3.6 per cent of the electorate.
Former deputy leader Seamus Close stepped down in July citing difficulties within the party leadership, in particular the controversial decision not to field a candidate in the North Down Westminster election. (MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 February 2024
Ministers Highlight Importance Of Accessible Childcare
The First and Deputy First Ministers have visited the Ashton Community Trust and Shankill Women's Centre to highlight the importance of good quality and accessible childcare.
Ministers Highlight Importance Of Accessible Childcare
The First and Deputy First Ministers have visited the Ashton Community Trust and Shankill Women's Centre to highlight the importance of good quality and accessible childcare.
15 February 2024
Measles Outbreaks 'Likely' Without Uptake In MMR Vaccinations
Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has warned that outbreaks of measles are "likely" without action to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine.
Measles Outbreaks 'Likely' Without Uptake In MMR Vaccinations
Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has warned that outbreaks of measles are "likely" without action to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine.
22 June 2001
CLOSE RESIGNS AS ALLIANCE PARTY DEPUTY LEADER
FOLLOWING a series of disagreements within the Alliance Party Northern Ireland leadership, Seamus Close has resigned from his position as the party’s deputy leader. Mr Close said: “Recently, I have disagree with several decisions in the Alliance Party, including that of withdrawing from North Down during the General Election.
CLOSE RESIGNS AS ALLIANCE PARTY DEPUTY LEADER
FOLLOWING a series of disagreements within the Alliance Party Northern Ireland leadership, Seamus Close has resigned from his position as the party’s deputy leader. Mr Close said: “Recently, I have disagree with several decisions in the Alliance Party, including that of withdrawing from North Down during the General Election.
10 April 2006
Hain appoints NI Assembly Speaker
Former Alliance party deputy leader Eileen Bell has today been announced as the new speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, when it resumes on May 15.
Hain appoints NI Assembly Speaker
Former Alliance party deputy leader Eileen Bell has today been announced as the new speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, when it resumes on May 15.
04 October 2001
Alliance Party poised to elect new leader
The Alliance Party will elect a new leader this weekend to replace Sean Neeson, who stepped down as party leader last month.
Alliance Party poised to elect new leader
The Alliance Party will elect a new leader this weekend to replace Sean Neeson, who stepped down as party leader last month.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.