Alliance slams intimidation

By
2 February 1998
Press

Alliance Councillor David Ford, has slammed those who distributed LVF posters in South Antrim at the weekend.

David Ford said:

“These posters were nothing but a crude attempt by Loyalist terrorists to impose their will on local people. I condemn all such intimidation, wherever it comes from.

“At The Talks in London last week, the UDP delegation walked out because other parties joined Alliance in making clear that we believed them to be in breach of the Mitchell principles.

“Afterwards, there was a much more constructive atmosphere, and some progress was made.

“It is important at this time that all parties, and all responsible leaders, stand together in support of the talks process and against all those who would try to disrupt the hopes invested in The Talks.”

Ford supports peace rally

By
2 February 1998
Press

Councillor David Ford, Alliance Spokesperson for South Antrim, has congratulated the organisers of last weeks peace rallies.

David Ford said:

“It was important that people had the opportunity to show their opposition to violence. After all the murders last month, there was a feeling of great fear across Northern Ireland.

“By coming together at a number of rallies, ordinary people – both Catholic and Protestant – showed their commitment to building a peaceful society here.

“As I was in Belfast, I attended the rally at the City Hall. I was disgusted by the behaviour of a group of Republicans who attempted to hijack the rally for their own purposes.

“Fortunately, the great majority of those present treated this behaviour with disdain, and showed their opposition to violence from all sides.”

Alderdice: The ball is in our court

By
27 January 1998
Press

Alliance Leader, Lord Alderdice, commenting on today’s Strand 2 paper from the British and Irish Governments, has called for the parties to address the questions raised.

Speaking from Lancaster House, Lord Alderdice said:

“Last week, the parties batted the ball to the two Governments. Today the Governments just batted the ball back.

“This paper is just a series of questions to focus the negotiations, but already some parties are trying to bat the ball back to the Governments again.

“I would appeal to colleagues in the Talks to stop playing this game of pingpong and start giving answers to the questions.

“Some parties will find the questions more difficult to answer than others. But avoiding the questions, and passing the buck, is an irresponsible waste of negotiating time.”

Dickson welcomes cold weather payments

By
5 January 1998
Press

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson has welcomed Health Minister Tony Worthington’s decision to provide cold weather payments to Northern Ireland’s pensioners.

Alderman Dickson, who is the new health spokesperson for the Alliance Party, said the payments would be appreciated by Northern Ireland’s pensioners – particularly after last weekend’s treacherous weather conditions.

Alderman Dickson said: “I would like to commend the Minister for providing these winter payments. Many pensioners faced a bleak Christmas as a result of the bad weather.

“The necessary conditions for payments were triggered by recent storms and bad weather. However, the Department of Health and Social Services does not take into account higher domestic fuel costs in Northern Ireland.

“I understand that funding for solid fuel in glass fronted fires has not been provided and despite recent reductions in electrical prices – costs are still very high. And for most domestic customers – gas is not yet a reality.

“If the bad weather continues, I would hope that the Government would take all the matters that I have listed into account. If the bad weather continues – it’s essential that the Government look’s after Northern Ireland’s pensioners.”

Campbell calls for urgent action on waste disposal

By
5 January 1998
Press

The future of waste disposal in Larne and Carrickfergus should be addressed by the Department of the Environment within the next few weeks, Alliance Councillor John Campbell has claimed.

Councillor Campbell, who congratulated Larne Borough Council’s Mr. Maurice Crum for his efforts in highlighting the problem, said that decisions – including those from council officers – should be made for future planning.

Councillor Campbell said: “The issue of waste disposal is a matter of grave importance for the people of Larne and Carrickfergus. That’s why the matter should be addressed immediately.

“We need to have some serious technical thinking from the DoE, Larne and Carrickfergus borough council and from the relevant agencies involved with the waste disposal industry.

“I think we need to have an alternative to the land fill site method of waste disposal and I also believe that we should be looking at new systems of dumping. This has been a continuing problem and we must find a solution.

“I also understand that the tipping of the council’s bin lorry provides the biggest cost – apart from council wages – to the council. The issue of the environment is vitally important and I firmly believe that it must be addressed before the year 2000.”

Alliance reacts to Secretary of State's announcement

By
2 January 1998
Press

Alliance Party Deputy Leader Seamus Close has reacted to the announcement by the Secretary of State of an extension to the inquiry into operational procedures at the Maze Prison.

Seamus Close said :

“The Secretary of State has decided to extend the remit of one of her Civil Servants in his investigation into the operational procedures of the Maze Prison. The problem with this approach is that the political decisions governing the running of the prison also need to be looked at. It is these decisions which, when implemented by Civil Servants, have led to the problems in the prison. Civil Servants will not critise the decisions of their political masters. Today’s announcement fails to give the confidence that is needed in such an inquiry. To simply extend the brief given to a civil servant will satisfy no-one”.

Leaflets are "a form of intimidation": Alliance

By
30 December 1997
Press

Alliance spokesman Dr Philip McGarry has described as (a form of intimidation) the leaflets distributed in Craigavon calling on shops and businesses to shut during the Billy Wright Funeral.

Dr McGarry said:

“I can understand entirely why many local business men will feel under pressure to close their premises.

“However many of them will do so because of a fear of the consequences if they remain open.

“The RUC have the duty to ensure that protection is provided for those people who chose to continue about their private business.

“As a society we must always recognize the existence of subtle and not so subtle forms of intimidation and redouble our efforts to create a society free from fear and sectarianism.”

Alliance regret over Strangford decision

By
24 December 1997
Press

North Down Alliance Councillor, Stephen Farry, has expressed his regret over the decision of the Department of Education to turn Strangford Integrated College for funding for a third time but called for the campaign to continue.

Stephen Farry said:

“This decision by the Department of Education is triply disappointing. First, this is now a school that is now in operation fighting to secure its future. Second, it is somewhat ironic given that the Prime Minister so publicly endorsed integrated education on his recent visit to Northern Ireland. Third, it is a blow coming so close to Christmas.

“Opinion polls show that parents throughout Northern Ireland want the option of integrated education – yet, only 2% of children attend such schools. No integrated school has failed so far.

“The choice of integrated education should be a right for parents. There is no yet sufficient provision in this area. The implication of DENI’s rejection of Strangford is that integrated schools are only going to a privilege in certain areas not the norm.

“The successful opening of Strangford College shows that there is sufficient demand for it in the greater North Down and Ards area, notwithstanding the decision of other local schools to transform to integrated status. The local population is sufficiently diverse; according to the 1991 census is about 70% Protestant, 10% Catholic & 20% others/none/refused.

“The Government will not be able to withstand a public campaign forever. I hope that the campaign does not cease, but in fact intensifies. I myself will do anything I can to help.”

Alliance quizzes Government on railway funding

By
23 December 1997
Press

Increasing concern about delays in the funding of the Antrim – Whiteabbey railway line has led the Alliance Party to table two Parliamentary questions.

The questions, tabled by the Party Leader, Lord Alderdice, ask the government to confirm its commitment to the line and question whether EU funding may be lost because of delays in the scheme.

Local Alliance spokesman, Councillor David Ford, said: “I have been pressurising successive government ministers for six or seven years on this issue. It is clear that the massive investment in the cross harbour railway bridge in Belfast will only be fully justified if the trains from Ballymena, Coleraine and Derry use the Bleach Green Line.

“The line would also help solve the growing commuter congestion between Antrim, Ballyclare and Belfast and the development of local services, with a new station at Aldergrove, would be a massive boost to the Antrim, Crumlin and Lisburn area. It would also facilitate the scheme to provide many thousands of jobs at the airport.

“Alliance is concerned at the considerable delays in this scheme. Both Lord Alderdice and I have spoken to people with interests in the railway in recent weeks. That is why he has tabled the questions in parliament. It is important to find out whether the government is prepared to act while EU funds are available.”

Ford regrets "negative" Forsythe

By
23 December 1997
Press

Councilllor David Ford, Alliance Spokesman for South Antrim, has described the attitude of Clifford Forsythe MP to the Talks process as ‘regrettable’ and negative’.

David Ford said:

“I was surprised to read the reports of the letter apparently written by Mr Forsythe a couple of weeks ago. Surprised, because he has taken no part at all in the current talks Process since it began under the Chairmanship of Peter Brooke when he was Secretary of State back in 1991.

“It is hard to see why Mr Forsythe is moved to comment at this time, but his negative comments are most regrettable.

“The Talks Process Is a serious one. Difficult decisions have to be taken. There is no doubt that the two Governments are committed to the process.

“Talk of pulling out at this time is playing into the hands of Sinn Fein. Were the Unionists to leave the Talks table, the image of Republicans would undoubtedly be enhanced. Is this what Unionists want?

“Alliance wants to see all parties engaged in serious Talks, seeking to each agreement under the rules of sufficient consensus. That means the more moderate parties on each side coming together with the non-sectarian centre to build a new agreement.

“We do not need extremists posturing from each side.”