Alliance Leader Sean Neeson and the party’s Justice Spokesperson Steve McBride will meet tomorrow, Monday 19 October, with General John de Chastelain, Chairman of the Decommissioning Body. Speaking in advance of the meeting Sean Neeson insisted that the decommissioning issue not be allowed to delay the process any longer.
Sean Neeson said:
“Decommissioning has been allowed to fester like an open wound in the side of the Agreement. Republicans and Loyalists should look upon decommissioning as an opportunity to build confidence in the process across the community. But Unionists must not look upon it as a precondition to fulfilling the obligations that rest on David Trimble as First Minister. He must move immediately to establish the Executive.
“If the Executive is not formed then the North-South Ministerial Council cannot be established before the October 31 deadline. If that deadline is missed then David Trimble and the Ulster Unionists will have breached the Agreement. We cannot afford to ignore deadlines as though they do not matter. David Trimble should seize upon the goodwill being shown towards him in the wake of the Nobel Prize and get the implementation of the Agreement back on track.”
NOTES:
The Alliance Party representatives will meet with the Decommissioning Body at 2.00pm on Monday at Rosepark House.
Showing posts with label Sean Neeson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sean Neeson. Show all posts
18 October 1998
06 October 1998
Constable O'Reilly "a victom of naked sectarianism": Neeson
Alliance Party Leader, Sean Neeson has expressed his deep sorrow at the death of Constable O’Reilly, and has extended his sympathy to the family.
Mr Nesson said:
“Constable O’Reilly is a victim of the poison of naked sectarianism which flaunts itself daily on the streets of Portadown.
“I plead to all those involved in the conflict there to get round the table and to sort out their difficulties.
“Otherwise I fear that further sorrow will be inflicted on other innocent families.”
Mr Nesson said:
“Constable O’Reilly is a victim of the poison of naked sectarianism which flaunts itself daily on the streets of Portadown.
“I plead to all those involved in the conflict there to get round the table and to sort out their difficulties.
“Otherwise I fear that further sorrow will be inflicted on other innocent families.”
29 September 1998
Neeson hits out at vandals
ALLIANCE Party Leader Sean Neeson has slammed whoever was responsible for last weekend’s attack at St. Comgall’s Intermediate School in Larne.
And Mr. Neeson - who is an assembly member for East Antrim - has called on the North Easter and Education and Library Board to provide security cameras at the school.
The Alliance Party Leader, a former teacher of history at the school, believes that the installation of cameras might prevent vandals from targeting the school in the future.
Mr. Neeson, who visited the ransacked school yesterday afternoon, also urged vandals to think about the “terrible consequences” of their actions.
“I would like to condemn this wanton destruction and ask these people to think about the devastating effect their actions are having on the local community,” said Mr. Neeson.
“We must not tolerate this type of behaviour and I would urge the NEELB to seriously consider the possibility of using cameras at the schools.
“I think this action is necessary because the school, which is situated in an isolated area, has been attacked on numerous occasions.
“Extensive damage has been caused at the school and as a former teacher, it breaks my heart to hear about these type of attacks.
“I hope the police are successful in apprehending the culprits and I hope we have seen the last of such attacks.
“However I will still be calling on the education board to install the cameras - sooner rather than later,” added the assemblyman.
And Mr. Neeson - who is an assembly member for East Antrim - has called on the North Easter and Education and Library Board to provide security cameras at the school.
The Alliance Party Leader, a former teacher of history at the school, believes that the installation of cameras might prevent vandals from targeting the school in the future.
Mr. Neeson, who visited the ransacked school yesterday afternoon, also urged vandals to think about the “terrible consequences” of their actions.
“I would like to condemn this wanton destruction and ask these people to think about the devastating effect their actions are having on the local community,” said Mr. Neeson.
“We must not tolerate this type of behaviour and I would urge the NEELB to seriously consider the possibility of using cameras at the schools.
“I think this action is necessary because the school, which is situated in an isolated area, has been attacked on numerous occasions.
“Extensive damage has been caused at the school and as a former teacher, it breaks my heart to hear about these type of attacks.
“I hope the police are successful in apprehending the culprits and I hope we have seen the last of such attacks.
“However I will still be calling on the education board to install the cameras - sooner rather than later,” added the assemblyman.
10 July 1998
Neeson welcomes inquiry into rail accidents
THE Alliance Party’s Assembly Team leader has welcomed the Government’s decision to launch an inquiry into recent railway accidents.
But Mr. Sean Neeson, who is a shadow Assembly member for East Antrim, said the announcement from Environment Minister Lord Dubs was “long overdue”.
Lord Dubs has appointed Mr. Christopher Hall, a principal inspector of railways, to review the conduct of the outcome of the NIR inquiries into the three recent railway accidents in Northern Ireland.
Mr. Neeson is hopeful that the inquiry will address what, he claims is, the current safety aspect of all trains belonging to NIR.
And the Carrickfergus Councillor, who was appointed as acting leader of the Alliance Party after last month’s Assembly election, has also confirmed that his request for a meeting with the Environment Minster still stands.
“I am pleased that Lord Dubs has taken steps with what is a very serious and very sensitive issue. The people of Northern Ireland must have confidence in their public transport service,” said Mr. Neeson.
“I have been very active in trying to bring this matter to the public notice and I will continue to monitor the situation.
“I have already requested a meeting with Lord Dubs and I will be seeking a meeting with the management of Translink. I would like to inform Translink and Lord Dubs about the serious level of under-funding of the rail network in Northern Ireland.
“It is clear that most of the trains - apart from enterprise express - are all obsolete and there is an urgent need to invest in new rolling stock.
“Furthermore, the rail track throughout much of Northern Ireland needs upgrading and the dithering of the Bleach Green loop must come to an end,” added the acting Alliance Party leader.
But Mr. Sean Neeson, who is a shadow Assembly member for East Antrim, said the announcement from Environment Minister Lord Dubs was “long overdue”.
Lord Dubs has appointed Mr. Christopher Hall, a principal inspector of railways, to review the conduct of the outcome of the NIR inquiries into the three recent railway accidents in Northern Ireland.
Mr. Neeson is hopeful that the inquiry will address what, he claims is, the current safety aspect of all trains belonging to NIR.
And the Carrickfergus Councillor, who was appointed as acting leader of the Alliance Party after last month’s Assembly election, has also confirmed that his request for a meeting with the Environment Minster still stands.
“I am pleased that Lord Dubs has taken steps with what is a very serious and very sensitive issue. The people of Northern Ireland must have confidence in their public transport service,” said Mr. Neeson.
“I have been very active in trying to bring this matter to the public notice and I will continue to monitor the situation.
“I have already requested a meeting with Lord Dubs and I will be seeking a meeting with the management of Translink. I would like to inform Translink and Lord Dubs about the serious level of under-funding of the rail network in Northern Ireland.
“It is clear that most of the trains - apart from enterprise express - are all obsolete and there is an urgent need to invest in new rolling stock.
“Furthermore, the rail track throughout much of Northern Ireland needs upgrading and the dithering of the Bleach Green loop must come to an end,” added the acting Alliance Party leader.
29 April 1998
Were the signals to blame? Neeson
Alliance Party Chief Whip Sean Neeson is calling on Translink to carry out an urgent investigation into this mornings train crash at Yorkgate and make public its findings into this crash and the similar crash on the Lisburn line in recent times.
Mr Neeson said:
“I am disturbed that Translink are trying to play down the significance of these two train crashes. I am aware that new signaling equipment has been tried out by the Transport Company and would like the public to know if this has been a contributory factor in these crashes. Fortunately, no one has been seriously injured in either crash but passengers need urgent reassurances from Translink.”
Mr Neeson said:
“I am disturbed that Translink are trying to play down the significance of these two train crashes. I am aware that new signaling equipment has been tried out by the Transport Company and would like the public to know if this has been a contributory factor in these crashes. Fortunately, no one has been seriously injured in either crash but passengers need urgent reassurances from Translink.”
Welcome for Mowlam's European funding initiative
Alliance Spokesperson on Europe, Alderman Sean Neeson, has welcomed the Secretary of State’s visit to the European Parliament, and urged his colleagues in Liberal Parties across Europe to respond positively to Mo Mowlam’s statement in the European Parliament this afternoon.
Alderman Neeson said:
“The Secretary of State is to be commended for this initiative. Anyone with any influence on those in the European Parliament must seek to ensure that Northern Ireland is not forgotten in the years ahead.
“There will be many dividends if we establish a peaceful future - but our social and economic problems will not disappear overnight.
“I have asked the Alliance Party’s colleagues in the Liberal Group in the Parliament to do all they can to keep Northern Ireland near the top of the European Union’s funding agenda.”
Alderman Neeson said:
“The Secretary of State is to be commended for this initiative. Anyone with any influence on those in the European Parliament must seek to ensure that Northern Ireland is not forgotten in the years ahead.
“There will be many dividends if we establish a peaceful future - but our social and economic problems will not disappear overnight.
“I have asked the Alliance Party’s colleagues in the Liberal Group in the Parliament to do all they can to keep Northern Ireland near the top of the European Union’s funding agenda.”
02 April 1998
Neeson condemns Larne attack
Alliance Chief Whip, Alderman Sean Neeson, has condemned this mornings’ petrol bomb attack in Larne as a blatantly sectarian act of attempted murder.
Mr Sean Neeson said:
“I am deeply concerned at the growing regularity of sectarian attacks in Larne and other parts of East Antrim.
“It is clear that there are groups of people who are hell-bent on creating sectarian division, especially as we near a possible political settlement.
“While the police have increased resources on the ground throughout East Antrim, these cowardly acts can only be brought to an end when the people responsible are brought to justice.”
Mr Sean Neeson said:
“I am deeply concerned at the growing regularity of sectarian attacks in Larne and other parts of East Antrim.
“It is clear that there are groups of people who are hell-bent on creating sectarian division, especially as we near a possible political settlement.
“While the police have increased resources on the ground throughout East Antrim, these cowardly acts can only be brought to an end when the people responsible are brought to justice.”
23 February 1998
Neeson attacks Sinn Fein hypocrisy
Alliance Party Chief Whip, Sean Neeson has attacked the hypocrisy of Sinn Fein in trying to portray themselves as victims of the talks process.
Alderman Neeson said:
“Unlike the Loyalist paramilitaries, not once has Sinn Fein apologized to the thousands of real victims who have been murdered and maimed by the bombs and bullets of the IRA. It is sickening to most people in Northern Ireland to watch these apologists for violence troop with crocodile tears on the streets because of their legitimate, albeit temporary, expulsion from the talks.”
Alderman Neeson said:
“Unlike the Loyalist paramilitaries, not once has Sinn Fein apologized to the thousands of real victims who have been murdered and maimed by the bombs and bullets of the IRA. It is sickening to most people in Northern Ireland to watch these apologists for violence troop with crocodile tears on the streets because of their legitimate, albeit temporary, expulsion from the talks.”
04 February 1998
Talks must deal with future Euro links: Neeson
Alliance Party Chief Whip, Sean Neeson, has called for the Talks Process to put a greater emphasis on Northern Ireland’s future links with the European Union.
Mr Neeson said:
“The Scottish and Welsh Offices have already started major promotional work in Brussels in advance of devolution being established in their countries. They obviously recognise the importance of direct links with the EU, especially as the United Kingdom government becomes more decentralised.
“Northern Ireland people must have a more direct role in negotiating with the EU, as the Europe of the Regions and the principle of subsidiarity become a reality.”
Mr Neeson said:
“The Scottish and Welsh Offices have already started major promotional work in Brussels in advance of devolution being established in their countries. They obviously recognise the importance of direct links with the EU, especially as the United Kingdom government becomes more decentralised.
“Northern Ireland people must have a more direct role in negotiating with the EU, as the Europe of the Regions and the principle of subsidiarity become a reality.”
12 December 1997
Alliance to meet Chief Constable
A delegation of Alliance Councillors will meet with the Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan on Tuesday 16th December. The meeting has been organised at the request of the Alliance Councillors who are increasingly concerned about the level of paramilitary activity in their area of East Antrim.
The three Alliance Councillors attending the meeting will be Sean Neeson, Stewart Dickson and Jim Rooney.
The three Alliance Councillors attending the meeting will be Sean Neeson, Stewart Dickson and Jim Rooney.
11 December 1997
Alliance condemns Maze breakout
Alliance Party Chief Whip Alderman Sean Neeson has condemned last nights IRA break out from the Maze Prison as an act of selfishness, that is putting the privileges of other prisoners at risk.
Mr Neeson said:
“Is it the duty of Republican prisoners to behave in such a fashion that other prisoners whether Republican or Loyalist will undoubtedly face the consequences. I would appeal to the Republican Movement to hand over the escapee to the authorities so that others including prisoners families will not lose out.”
Mr Neeson said:
“Is it the duty of Republican prisoners to behave in such a fashion that other prisoners whether Republican or Loyalist will undoubtedly face the consequences. I would appeal to the Republican Movement to hand over the escapee to the authorities so that others including prisoners families will not lose out.”
08 December 1997
Neeson to seek clarification on Carrick RIR base
Alliance Chief Whip and Carrickfergus Councillor, Sean Neeson, has sought an urgent meeting with Security Minister Adam Ingram over the future of the Royal Irish Regiment base at Woodburn.
Alderman Neeson, who is member of the Stormont Talks Team and Northern Ireland Forum, confirmed that he will be asking Mr. Ingram to clarify the Government’s position in relation to the long term future of the base.
Mr. Neeson said: “I will be hoping to have an urgent meeting with Mr. Ingram in order to discuss the future of the RIR army base in Carrickfergus as the RIR are currently reviewing their future strategy in relation to all RIR bases in Northern Ireland.
“But I have been informed from a reliable source that doubt has been cast over the long-term future of the base in Carrickfergus. I am concerned about this development because the base is widely recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s leading recruitment centres for the regiment.
“It has always played an important economic, community and charitable based role for everyone in Carrickfergus. However, the base is also important to members of the Ulster Defence Regiment Association.
“And from a security point of view, the RIR base has always played a significant role when trouble has flared in parts of North Belfast and I will definitely be urging the Minister to keep the base in Carrickfergus.”
Alderman Neeson, who is member of the Stormont Talks Team and Northern Ireland Forum, confirmed that he will be asking Mr. Ingram to clarify the Government’s position in relation to the long term future of the base.
Mr. Neeson said: “I will be hoping to have an urgent meeting with Mr. Ingram in order to discuss the future of the RIR army base in Carrickfergus as the RIR are currently reviewing their future strategy in relation to all RIR bases in Northern Ireland.
“But I have been informed from a reliable source that doubt has been cast over the long-term future of the base in Carrickfergus. I am concerned about this development because the base is widely recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s leading recruitment centres for the regiment.
“It has always played an important economic, community and charitable based role for everyone in Carrickfergus. However, the base is also important to members of the Ulster Defence Regiment Association.
“And from a security point of view, the RIR base has always played a significant role when trouble has flared in parts of North Belfast and I will definitely be urging the Minister to keep the base in Carrickfergus.”
05 December 1997
Neeson questions minister over library funding
Alliance Chief Whip and Carrickfergus Councillor, Sean Neeson, has called on Health Minister Tony Worthington to restore “essential” funding to Northern Ireland’s Library Services.
Alderman Neeson, who is a member of the Stormont Talks team and Northern Ireland Forum, urged Mr. Worthington to clarify his position in relation to the future of library funding.
The Carrickfergus Councillor, who raised a series of questions at a recent meeting of the Northrn Ireland Forum, also said that the issue of finance was of major importance to the people of Northern Ireland.
Alderman Neeson said: “As a former teacher, I recognise the crucial role of the library service. It provides a service to the pupils directly, but the development of a library in a school itself is equally important.
“However, I am concerned about any proposal to reduce the library service, which has faced very severe cut backs in recent times. Very often it is regarded as the Cinderella part of the system. This is wrong because it plays such an important role.
“I wonder if Mr. Worthington’s words, in which he said that libraries are one of the linchpins of cultural life, represent the true belief of the Minister or, more importantly, his Department.
“The Department of Education has proposed that education and library boards should reduce their expenditure on libraries in the coming year by an amount equivalent to 50 per cent of the budget available for the purchase of books.
“The library is the most used public service - it is used by more than half the population - and many of those who use it cannot afford to go anywhere else. And libraries provide resources for visually impaired people which they cannot get elsewhere. That is a desperately important aspect.
“And now the people of Northern Ireland must ask Mr. Worthington if the Government is serious when they publicly proclaim the benefits and advantages of the library system in Northern Ireland. The responsibility rests quite clearly with Tony Worthington.”
Alderman Neeson, who is a member of the Stormont Talks team and Northern Ireland Forum, urged Mr. Worthington to clarify his position in relation to the future of library funding.
The Carrickfergus Councillor, who raised a series of questions at a recent meeting of the Northrn Ireland Forum, also said that the issue of finance was of major importance to the people of Northern Ireland.
Alderman Neeson said: “As a former teacher, I recognise the crucial role of the library service. It provides a service to the pupils directly, but the development of a library in a school itself is equally important.
“However, I am concerned about any proposal to reduce the library service, which has faced very severe cut backs in recent times. Very often it is regarded as the Cinderella part of the system. This is wrong because it plays such an important role.
“I wonder if Mr. Worthington’s words, in which he said that libraries are one of the linchpins of cultural life, represent the true belief of the Minister or, more importantly, his Department.
“The Department of Education has proposed that education and library boards should reduce their expenditure on libraries in the coming year by an amount equivalent to 50 per cent of the budget available for the purchase of books.
“The library is the most used public service - it is used by more than half the population - and many of those who use it cannot afford to go anywhere else. And libraries provide resources for visually impaired people which they cannot get elsewhere. That is a desperately important aspect.
“And now the people of Northern Ireland must ask Mr. Worthington if the Government is serious when they publicly proclaim the benefits and advantages of the library system in Northern Ireland. The responsibility rests quite clearly with Tony Worthington.”
03 November 1997
O'Connor attack was 'on democracy itself': Neeson
East Antrim Alliance Forum Member, Alderman Sean Neeson, has condemned the weekend attack on the home of SDLP councillor Danny O’Connor.
Mr Neeson says, “Any such attack must be condemned as an attack on democracy itself, which was undoubtedly carried out by mindless thugs. I would appeal to the local community to assist police in ending this type of sectarian attack that has surfaced in the Larne area.”
Mr Neeson says, “Any such attack must be condemned as an attack on democracy itself, which was undoubtedly carried out by mindless thugs. I would appeal to the local community to assist police in ending this type of sectarian attack that has surfaced in the Larne area.”
20 October 1997
Neeson attends Romanian conference
Alliance Party Chief Whip, Alderman Sean Neeson, at the weekend addressed an International Conference in the Romanian capital of Bucharest about the political talks in Northern Ireland. Mr Neeson says, “The Conference was about the enlargement of the European Union and provided an opportunity to brief senior politicians from all over Europe about the importance of reaching a political agreement, especially in relationship to Northern Ireland’s membership of the EU.
“The Conference was successful in that it clarified the problems which will be faced with the enlargement of the EU and clearly serious consideration must be given before applications to join the EU are granted to countries within the former Eastern bloc. Romania is still a country in transition, and major changes have taken place since the abuses of the Ceaucescu family.”
“The Conference was successful in that it clarified the problems which will be faced with the enlargement of the EU and clearly serious consideration must be given before applications to join the EU are granted to countries within the former Eastern bloc. Romania is still a country in transition, and major changes have taken place since the abuses of the Ceaucescu family.”
15 October 1997
Blair asked to bring Britannia to Waterfront
Alliance Party, Chief Whip, Alderman Sean Neeson, has asked the government to consider Belfast as a permanent home of the Royal Yacht Britannia after she is decommissioned next month. Mr Neeson says, “I made the appeal when I met the Prime Minister on Monday, and did not receive a negative response. Obviously to make such a bid would require significant financial backing, as well as manpower resources. Time is important and it is my intention to contact relevant individuals and organisations in the near future.
“Belfast is the natural location because of the Waterfront Development, and our maritime heritage, and I believe that a vast number of people in Northern Ireland would back this development.”
“Belfast is the natural location because of the Waterfront Development, and our maritime heritage, and I believe that a vast number of people in Northern Ireland would back this development.”
14 October 1997
Interconnector 'not in our best interests': Neeson
Alliance Party Chief Whip, Alderman Sean Neeson, claims that the Scottish electricity inter-connector is not in the best interests of the Northern Ireland economy, nor of electricity consumers. Mr Neeson says, “The go-ahead for the interconnector would make the completion of Phase Two of the Kilroot Power Station even more remote. Furthermore, the building of a transformer at Islandmagee will be a major blot on the landscape.
“NIE will not be purchasing electricity from Scottish Power at a cheap rate, and this should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, along with the other Northern Ireland electricity generators. The development of the interconnector will be as big a blunder as the original sell-off of the power stations here, and this is strongly criticised by the Public Accounts Committee at Westminster.”
“NIE will not be purchasing electricity from Scottish Power at a cheap rate, and this should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, along with the other Northern Ireland electricity generators. The development of the interconnector will be as big a blunder as the original sell-off of the power stations here, and this is strongly criticised by the Public Accounts Committee at Westminster.”
16 September 1997
Markethill bomb condemned
Alliance Party Chief Whip, Alderman Sean Neeson, has condemned today’s bomb attack at Markethill as a blatant attempt by terrorists to destroy the talks on Northern Ireland’s future at Castle Buildings.
Ald Neeson says, “This outrageous attack should strengthen the resolve of Talks participants to move the process forward, and in particular I would urge the Ulster Unionist Party to stop the play acting and participate seriously in the talks at Castle Buildings.”
Ald Neeson says, “This outrageous attack should strengthen the resolve of Talks participants to move the process forward, and in particular I would urge the Ulster Unionist Party to stop the play acting and participate seriously in the talks at Castle Buildings.”
03 February 1997
NI MEPs worse attendance records: Neeson
Alliance Party Spokesman on European Affairs, Alderman Sean Neeson, claims that Northern Irelands MEP’s should not also be Westminster MP’s in view of the fact that they have the worst attendance records of any other country in the European Parliament.
Mr Neeson said:
“The European Union is having a much greater influence on our everyday life and it is vital that Northern Ireland has representatives who are totally dedicated to putting forward our case on a daily basis whether in the Parliament or its corridors. This ambivalent attitude to the Parliament is not in the best interests of Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole.”
Mr Neeson said:
“The European Union is having a much greater influence on our everyday life and it is vital that Northern Ireland has representatives who are totally dedicated to putting forward our case on a daily basis whether in the Parliament or its corridors. This ambivalent attitude to the Parliament is not in the best interests of Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole.”
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