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”.
02 January 1998
30 December 1997
Leaflets are "a form of intimidation": Alliance
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."
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."
24 December 1997
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.”
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.”
23 December 1997
Alliance quizzes Government on railway funding
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.”
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
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.”
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.”
McConnell welcomes Ulster Bar announcement
South Antrim Alliance Councillor Brian McConnell has welcomed the Northern Ireland Trading Company’s decision to look at alternative sites in relation to the development of a bus terminal, library and commercial facilities in Antrim.
Councillor McConnell praised the decision - which appeared as a public notice advertisement this week - and said that people should be encouraged by the company’s decision to investigate “all avenues” of development.
The Antrim Councillor said: “The question of an alternative site - other than the Ulster Bar site - has to be encouraged. It seems to me that the tone of the advertisement recognises the need to investigate another possible site.
“I am encouraged by the public notice because it doesn’t just concentrate on one area for possible development. It’s also encouraging that the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company is not fixed on just one idea.
“However, I think that the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company will have to discuss the issue with Antrim Borough Council. And I also welcome the announcement of a project briefing session which has been announced for January 6.”
Councillor McConnell praised the decision - which appeared as a public notice advertisement this week - and said that people should be encouraged by the company’s decision to investigate “all avenues” of development.
The Antrim Councillor said: “The question of an alternative site - other than the Ulster Bar site - has to be encouraged. It seems to me that the tone of the advertisement recognises the need to investigate another possible site.
“I am encouraged by the public notice because it doesn’t just concentrate on one area for possible development. It’s also encouraging that the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company is not fixed on just one idea.
“However, I think that the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company will have to discuss the issue with Antrim Borough Council. And I also welcome the announcement of a project briefing session which has been announced for January 6.”
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