26/04/2024

Northern Ireland Is Facing An Unprecedented Crisis – Alliance

The Alliance Party has warned that "Northern Ireland is facing an unprecedented crisis", after it raised serious concerns over proposed budget allocations.

The Party's Finance spokesperson Eóin Tennyson MLA said Alliance recognised the need to do something and had chosen to "step up and govern" rather than let the situation deteriorate further.

He continued: "For too long Northern Ireland's finances have been rolled out in a completely unsustainable way. The UK Government needs to recognise its role in delivering us to where we are today. Periods of stagnation and collapse have only added to an already unstable system that now will take some work to repair.

"Alliance has consistently raised concerns, calling for a better and fair financial settlement, alongside the need for evidence-based policymaking which by its very nature would put a focus on early intervention and investing to save and addressing the costs of division.

"But none of these things have happened and now we are in a situation where if we don't attempt to get things under control it will be too late. That's why, when we had a choice today, Alliance chose to step up and govern, rather than watching from the sidelines while the problems get worse.

"This is going to be a difficult year, but without a budget to start from things could be a whole lot worse.

"I hope this is a turning point for all Executive parties to recognise the seismic change needed to Govern in the best way for everyone, rather than the current prioritisation of projects which is causing Alliance growing concern."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 April 2022
Alliance: Election Will Decide If NI Will Govern Itself
The Alliance Party has said that the upcoming election is not about "how the Executive will govern Northern Ireland but if it will" Alliance Leader Naomi Long was speaking as the party launched its manifesto for the forthcoming poll, which outlines a series of measures Alliance is calling for to tackle issues such as the health service, cost of liv
06 August 2008
'Joint' Bid To Recall Assembly Possible
A top Ulster Unionist member has come out in support of an SDLP call to convene a special meeting of the Stormont Assembly. The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
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.
06 July 2004
Queen's student opens door to drug work
A Queen's University Pharmacy student has carried out work on how pharmacists and church groups can help illicit drug users.
04 May 2022
Election Chance To 'Make History' – Long
The people of Northern Ireland have a chance to make history by electing more Alliance MLAs than ever before and sending a message about what type of society they want to see, Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said.