Alliance welcomes NIO move on ASBOs

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has welcomed the announcement by NIO Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar of draft proposals for the creation of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders in Northern Ireland.

Dr Farry stated:

“The introduction of these measures was a significant plank in our recent Assembly Manifesto.

“There is a groundswell of support among the police, district Councils and some public sector agencies for the introduction of these orders into Northern Ireland.

“Most elected representatives are inundated with complaints from residents, particularly the elderly and other vulnerable people, about persistent anti-social behaviour. Problems can include: youths hanging around and being loutish, vandalism and criminal damage, drunken behaviour and underage drinking, harassment of residents or passers-by. At times, it is not each individual incident that causes the problem, but the rapid accumulation of a number of similar incidents.

“In Northern Ireland, when the police and courts do not have the powers to tackle these problems, paramilitaries often try to exploit the resultant vacuum.

“Anti-Social Behaviour Orders have been used to some effect in Great Britain since 1999. Home Office research published in 2002 found that the orders had delivered real improvements in the quality of life in numerous communities.”

Belfast murder is major human rights abuse: Farry

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry has condemned this afternoon’s murder in Belfast City Centre, and on the day of the European Court judgment, asked how many people are going to condemn this abuse of human rights.

Stephen Farry said:

“Once again, a human life has been taken with impunity, this time in broad deadlight in the centre of Belfast.

“Such murders are the greatest abuses of human right possible.

“Today, the news agenda has been dominated by the statement of the judgment of the European Court that the human rights of IRA members on ‘active service’ were abused by the failure of the authorities to properly investigate their deaths.

“What this judgment says that is every citizen, irrespective of their background or conduct, are entitled to have their rights protected - the rule of law must be paramount.

“Yet, how many people are going to speak out about the human rights abuses involved in this brutal murder.”

Alliance welcomes Blair move on Euro

Alliance Party spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has welcomed the more positive approach of the British Government towards the Euro, and reiterated the Alliance belief that the earliest possible entry of the UK to the EuroZone in is Northern Ireland’s interest.

Stephen Farry said:

“Alliance supports the UK’s entry into the European Single Currency at the earliest possible opportunity. There are sound economic reasons to justify it, in particular greater stability and increased potential for trade. The arguments against are weak and largely based on out-moded attitudes towards sovereignty.

“Northern Ireland’s place in the Euro-Zone is particularly important given the Republic of Ireland’s participation. Its current competitive advantage over Northern Ireland as a location for investment would be further enhanced. It is particularly disappointing that some local politicians, in particular Unionists, do not appreciate what is Northern Ireland’s economic interest.

“Alliance welcomes the more positive attitude of the British government to the UK’s participation in the Single Currency. However, it does not yet amount to a substantive decision to apply for entry.”

Don't forget other integrated schools says Alliance

The Party Organiser of the Alliance Party, Stephen Farry, has welcomed the opening of an integrated school in Dungannon by the Secretary of State but has pointed out that there are three integrated schools that are still awaiting a Government decision to grant them public funding.

Stephen Farry stated:

“The Alliance Party welcomes the opening of an integrated school in Dungannon. Its opening by the Secretary of State is highly symbolic. Hopefully, it signifies a renewed commitment by the Government to integrated schooling.

“However, there are three integrated schools currently operating in Northern Ireland without public funds: Strangford, Ullidia, and Oakwood. These schools have met the criteria for funding laid down by the Government. Alliance looks forward to a positive decision from the Department of Education to fund these schools, in the very near future.

“Integrated education has the potential to further understanding across the community. Opinion polls show a very high demand among parents for access to this type of schooling, yet today only 3% of Northern Ireland school chlidren attend such schools. It is a major public policy deficiency when public funds are used to bolster segregated education but don't address integrated needs.”

Alliance puzzled by North Down press vote

North Down Councillor, Stephen Farry, has expressed puzzlement that North Down Council first voted to exclude the Public and Press from Standing Committees, and then voted to readmit the public to these meetings as the Press are members of the public.

Stephen Farry said:

“The decision to exclude press and public from the Standing Committees of Council was a backward step. North Down conducts its business through standing committee of the whole council which in practice become de facto mini-Councils. As long as this remains the case decisions should be open to public scrutiny.

“There are major problems as to how business is conducted within the Council; most other parties are not operating in a disciplined manner. North Down should put its house in order at the expense of open and accountable local government. Other means should be pursued.

“The decision however to readmit the public to these committee meetings is very puzzling. The press are members of the public and are therefore entitled to come along. Discussions and decisions will be in the public domain, and therefore eligible to be reported. Why would some on the Council therefore go to the trouble and raise the controversy over excluding the press, when they immediately reversed their decision? Why was the issue raised in the first place, causing much time to be wasted?”

Poll shows people "hungry" for agreement: Farry

Alliance Party Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has welcomed the results of the Opinion Poll published in the Belfast Telegraph as a strong indication that the people of Northern Ireland are hungry for political agreement.

Stephen Farry said:

“This latest poll shows that the people of Northern Ireland are hungry for a political agreement.

“There is overwhelming support right across the community for a package of measures that closely resembles what could be potentially agreed within the Talks.

“I believe that all the political parties that are seeking agreement should take encouragement from the results, and have the confidence to take the key decisions necessary to deliver the agreement.

“Some people who are opposed to any agreement who will try to rubbish these findings. But this poll was a scientifically conducted poll; it is an accurate reflection of current public opinion.”

Agreement is now in sight: Alliance

Agreement is now in sight: Alliance
9 March 1998

Speaking after the Alliance Party AGM in Portadown, North Down Councillor Stephen Farry has argued that an agreement in the Multi-Party Talks is now greater than ever.

Stephen Farry said:

“As we enter March, the final phase of the Talks has begun. There is now a really strong chance that there will be a political agreement by Easter.

“There are still some obstacles in the way.

“There is naturally much pessimism throughout the community about the chances of an agreement. This is not surprising: many of Northern Ireland’s politicians have let everybody down too many times in the past.

“We are now closer to a cross-community agreement than at any time since 1973."

Alliance regret over Strangford decision

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 condemns Whitehill shooting

North Down Alliance Councillor, Stephen Farry has condemned the so-called ‘punishment’ attack in the Whitehill Estate on Saturday and described it as a profoundly worrying development.

Stephen Farry said:

“This shooting in Whitehill is a profoundly worrying development. It is notable that it occurred near to the location where various paramilitary groups pasted threatening notices back in September.

“There seems to have been an increase in the number of so-called punishment beatings and shootings in the North Down area during 1997.

“They should be described as ‘so-called’ because the thugs that are responsible for these incidents have no legitimacy nor authority to carry out anything no matter what their victim is alleged to have done.

“There is never any justice involved. The ‘accused’ is entitled to no defence. Thugs act as judge, jury and executioneer. The ‘punishment’ dished out constitutes torture, and would be judged as a breach of human rights in most societies.

“There are clearly many social problems to be tackled in North Down and frustrations are building up. However, the only authorities that can provide solutions are the police, housing executive and social services.”

Farry calls for better services at Students' Union

Commenting on the Ulster Marketing Surveys report on Queen’s Students Union revealed in the Belfast Telegraph, Alliance Party spokesman Stephen Farry has called for attention to shift from the ‘politics of symbolism’ to the quality of student services.

“There are undoubtedly problems of alienation amongst Protestant students at Queen’s. But this is not only caused by some actions by Nationalists, but through considerable propaganda from Unionists. Alliance is firm in advocating a neutral environment for all students.

“Most students do not engage in student politics. The narrow focus on the politics of symbols is probably a deterrent to them. The UMS report clearly shows that students from all backgrounds are primarily citing reasons concerning the quality of services and facilities for not using the Students’ Union. This is something that both student representatives and the University should turn their minds to.”

Alliance finds Student's Union vote regrettable

Alliance Party Spokesman, Cllr Stephen Farry, has described the referendum vote on the Irish Language Signs in Queen’s Students’ Union as a regrettable blow to the concept of fair employment.

Cllr Farry stated:

“Fair employment matters cannot be decided by a majority vote either among the workers in a factory or by students in a students’ union. Majority voting defeats the purpose of fair employment legislation. It is designed to protect those who percieve themselves as part of a minority from being intimidated by the symbols of the majority.

“This vote by the union is regrettable, as the students who voted ‘yes’ are disagreeing with the very concept of fair employment. In many ways, it is unfortunate that the Irish Language has become so politicised that it has become a barrier to a neutral working environment. While it remains so, the Irish Langauge can and should be promoted in other ways.

“Alliance firmly believes in the concept of neutral working environments. It is regrettable that the SDLP have actually welcomed the vote. A neutral environment does not just mean removing symbols that can be perceived as Unionist, it also means sometimes entail removing symbols that are perceived as Nationalist.”

Farry warns against sectarian carve-up

Speaking at the Alliance Party’s Quarterly Council Meeting in Bangor, Cllr Stephen Farry, called for the party to work to ensure that any Talks agreement is not simply a carve-up between Unionism and Nationalism.

Cllr Farry said:

“There is a growing sense of cautious optimism that the Talks could produce a political agreement. The parameters of that agreement are reasonably clear: a regional power-sharing government, meaningful North-South bodies, and entrenchment of the Principle of Consent.

“However, even with a political agreement, Northern Ireland will remain a deeply divided society. A huge effort will be necessary to overcome sectarianism and polarisation within society. There will always be a role for a party like Alliance in helping to build such a society based on peace, prosperity and equal opportunities for every individual.

“The Talks must build an agreement that recognises that Northern Ireland is politically divided. However, there is a danger that the wrong type of agreement could inadvertently entrench sectarian divisions rather than provide the means to overcome them. There are powerful interests in our society who could accept a sectarian carve-up between Unionism and Nationalism. Anything based on the idea of institutionalising ‘two communities’ by giving formal political recognition to Unionism and Nationalism is very dangerous.

“Not every person in Northern Ireland chooses to be labelled as a Unionist or a Nationalist. Many Protestants and Catholics recognise that they sometimes have more in common with people from other denominations than their co-religionists. People like these, many of whom Alliance represents, would be effectively disenfranchised by a sectarian carve-up.

“Furthermore, how could a normal society be built here if we accept that the politics of Unionism and Nationalism are to be permanent fixtures on the political landscape.

“I believe that Alliance can play several important roles in the Talks. We can represent the interests of our constituency. Because of who we are we can often help Unionists and Nationalists to find agreement. We can be a powerful engine of ideas. And finally, we can be the bulwark that makes a Unionist-Nationalist carve-up a nonsense.”