04/11/2022
Alliance Welcomes No December Election Announcement
The Alliance Party has welcomed the news that no election will be held in December.
Party leader Naomi Long has said she is glad the Secretary of State has listened regarding the folly in holding another Assembly election, adding he now needed to go further and recognise real reform of the institutions is urgently needed.
Mrs Long said: "Alliance has been clear, an election changes absolutely nothing. History has shown that when elections are carried out in these circumstances they only serve to deepen divisions and allow new so-called red lines to emerge. This is simply not acceptable and I welcome the Secretary of State's decision to listen and continue to engage with local voices.
"However we have also been clear. Our Government cannot be allowed to continue in this cycle of dysfunction – allowing one Party to bring us to a standstill.
"It's time to end ransom politics. The Secretary of State has listened so far on the issue of elections, he now needs to listen to Alliance on the issue of reform. It is the only way to deliver effective Government and much-needed, lasting stability for the people of Northern Ireland.
"And while the full threat of an election still remains, I would urge the DUP to use this time to think of the impact they are having on local people – on those struggling with the cost of living crisis and those caught up in the failing health service. Their shameful boycott has to end."
Party leader Naomi Long has said she is glad the Secretary of State has listened regarding the folly in holding another Assembly election, adding he now needed to go further and recognise real reform of the institutions is urgently needed.
Mrs Long said: "Alliance has been clear, an election changes absolutely nothing. History has shown that when elections are carried out in these circumstances they only serve to deepen divisions and allow new so-called red lines to emerge. This is simply not acceptable and I welcome the Secretary of State's decision to listen and continue to engage with local voices.
"However we have also been clear. Our Government cannot be allowed to continue in this cycle of dysfunction – allowing one Party to bring us to a standstill.
"It's time to end ransom politics. The Secretary of State has listened so far on the issue of elections, he now needs to listen to Alliance on the issue of reform. It is the only way to deliver effective Government and much-needed, lasting stability for the people of Northern Ireland.
"And while the full threat of an election still remains, I would urge the DUP to use this time to think of the impact they are having on local people – on those struggling with the cost of living crisis and those caught up in the failing health service. Their shameful boycott has to end."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 January 2017
NI Secretary Of State Expected To Set Assembly Election Date
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State is expected to call an Assembly election later today, 16 January, if Sinn Féin fails to nominate a deputy First Minister to replace Martin McGuinness.
NI Secretary Of State Expected To Set Assembly Election Date
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State is expected to call an Assembly election later today, 16 January, if Sinn Féin fails to nominate a deputy First Minister to replace Martin McGuinness.
10 March 2026
Alliance Calls on Secretary of State to Intervene Over Independent EPA
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has urged Secretary of State Hilary Benn to intervene to ensure the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Mr Blair noted that the establishment of the body was a commitment made by all major parties within the New Decade, New Approach agreement.
Alliance Calls on Secretary of State to Intervene Over Independent EPA
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has urged Secretary of State Hilary Benn to intervene to ensure the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Mr Blair noted that the establishment of the body was a commitment made by all major parties within the New Decade, New Approach agreement.
19 April 2018
Alliance MLA Calls On Secretary Of State To Initiate All-Party Talks
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called upon Secretary of State Karen Bradley to begin all-party talks "as soon as possible".
Alliance MLA Calls On Secretary Of State To Initiate All-Party Talks
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called upon Secretary of State Karen Bradley to begin all-party talks "as soon as possible".
11 November 2003
Secretary of State urges NI public to exercise vote
Everyone should play their part and exercise their democratic right to vote in the forthcoming Assembly Elections. This was the message from Secretary of State, Paul Murphy during a visit to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland Headquarters in Belfast today.
Secretary of State urges NI public to exercise vote
Everyone should play their part and exercise their democratic right to vote in the forthcoming Assembly Elections. This was the message from Secretary of State, Paul Murphy during a visit to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland Headquarters in Belfast today.
23 May 2024
Alliance Welcomes UK General Election Announcement
The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement of a UK General Election, with leader Naomi Long welcoming the chance "for the people of Northern Ireland to send a message they want positivity, progressiveness, responsibility and delivery in their politics".
Alliance Welcomes UK General Election Announcement
The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement of a UK General Election, with leader Naomi Long welcoming the chance "for the people of Northern Ireland to send a message they want positivity, progressiveness, responsibility and delivery in their politics".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.