Change at helm of North Down Alliance Association

North Down Alliance Association held its AGM last Wednesday night and was well attended by established and new members alike. There was an exuberant mood evident with an excitement about campaigning for the upcoming Westminster election and building on the previous year’s success in the European election.

Looking back on the previous year’s achievements, outgoing chair Neil Dickey drew attention to the successful fundraising events such as the joint-table quiz with Strangford Alliance Association, the summer fete, the barbeque and the coffee morning. He congratulated the Association on the success of significantly increasing Alliance’s vote in North Down during the European election. Neil also expressed his gratitude to local Alliance Councillors and MLA, Stephen Farry, for keeping such a high profile and for taking principled stands on difficult issues throughout the year.

At the election of officers, Neil Dickey stepped down as chair and was replaced in the role by Andrew Muir. Commenting on his election as chair Andrew Muir stated, “It is an honour to be elected as chair for North Down Alliance Association for the incoming year. Alliance is the party that is best placed to deliver a shared future for Northern Ireland. For the last 40 years it has fought for cross-community consensus and non-sectarian politics. It has prioritised bread and butter politics over the politics of orange and green.

“North Down has been traditionally one of the strongest areas for Alliance and has benefited from a high level of Alliance public representation. It is important that we build on this success in the coming year and ensure that North Down achieves the best level of representation at all levels of public life.”

Also elected into office were Jean Green as President, Neil Dickey as vice-chair, Michael Watts as secretary, Chris Mackey as treasurer, Bryan Ardill as membership secretary and Michael Bower as media officer.

After the election of officers Cllr Marsden Fitzsimons gave a short and engaging talk on the Christian heritage of Bangor.

28 January 2010

Muir condemns Nazi graffiti

Local community activist and Alliance Party North Down Vice Chair has condemned the recent appearance of Nazi graffiti in Ward Park, Bangor.

The graffiti included a number of Nazi Swastikas in the vicinity of the Cenotaph and was reported to Andrew by a local Bangor resident via the social networking site Twitter.

Commenting on the development, Andrew stated "Graffiti is very often unsightly but in this case it is also extremely offensive. Many people commemorated at The Cenotaph died fighting Nazi tyranny. Those who painted the Swastikas should remember that without the heroic actions of the men and women commemorated in Ward Park they would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that continue to endure today. There is no place for intolerance and anti semitism in North Down and I condemn the appearance of this graffiti outright."

Concluding, Andrew stated "I am particularly thankful that North Down Borough Council promptly removed this graffiti. The incident has also been reported to the Police. Hate has no place in North Down."

19 January 2010

Compulsory voting

The Ulster Unionist Party today proposed a motion at the NI Assembly calling upon to the government to consider making it compulsory to vote in Northern Ireland.

Whilst it is concerning that many people don't vote making them turn up at the Polling Station isn't, in my opinion, the solution.

Experience from other countries who have compulsory voting indicates that enforcement of the legislation is particularly difficult. Apart from being a waste of time and money introducing compulsory voting in NI would rightly be seen by the electorate as an arrogant measure from aloof politicians forcing their electorate to engage with a political set-up that desperately needs shook up.

In the last Assembly election 46% North Down's electorate didn't vote.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that a significant proportion of these electors have moderate views and didn't vote because they are disillusioned with politics. If these people did vote Northern Ireland would be very very different but, unfortunately, they don't vote and we have the current set-up at Stormont and in Council chambers across NI dominated by parties such as the DUP and Sinn Fein who are obsessed proving their Unionist or Nationalist credentials whilst everyday life continues and Northern Ireland remains in a recession.

Rather than introducing illiberal legislation and telling the electorate what to do the Ulster Unionist Party should instead examine why people aren't bothering to vote and work with other parties, such as the Alliance Party, to shake-up politics and engage with the electorate to deliver a new form of politics which inspires and looks to the future rather than the past.

18 January 2010

NI Assembly Motion

That this Assembly notes the positive effect that compulsory voting has had on democracy in the Commonwealth of Australia; and calls on Her Majesty’s Government to consider introducing similar rules for elections in the United Kingdom.

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/orders/papers/2007/2009/order27_0910.htm

Iris Robinson's affair

On Thursday 7 January 2010 I commented on recent revelations concerning Iris Robinson's affair and it's effect on lesbian and gay people.

The interview took place on BBC Radio Ulster Evening Extra and can be heard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfwwn6swIHY

11 January 2010

North Down Alliance Insight

November 2009: North Down Alliance discuss ongoing developments at Stormont

A well attended Executive Committee meeting for the North Down Association of the Alliance Party took place on Monday 9 November 2009 and focused on ongoing developments at Stormont.

Alliance MLA for North Down Dr Stephen Farry provided a briefing on a range of issues ranging from the Review of Public Administration and proposed merger between North Down and Ards Councils to ongoing discussions concerning the devolution of Policing and Justice.

Alliance Councillor for Bangor West, Tony Hill, was also in attendance and updated Committee members on his efforts as Mayor of North Down, noting that the recent Remembrance Sunday Ceremony in Bangor had been well attended.

Association Chairperson Neil Dickey encouraged committee members to attend the forthcoming Christmas Reception whilst Alliance Councillor for Ballyholme and Groomsport Alderman Marsden Fitzsimmons updated those present on issue of speed calming measures.

16 November 2009

North Down Alliance Insight

October 2009: Exciting programme of events ahead for North Down Alliance

The Executive Committee for the North Down Association of The Alliance Party met on Monday 5 October 2009 and discussed an extensive programme of events leading up to a Christmas Reception for local members on Saturday 12 December 2009.

Many members of the party indicated their eagerness to attend the event involving Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP on Saturday 10 October 2009 at the Premier Inn Hotel in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast.

Arrangements were made to attend the reception at Parliament Buildings during late November 2009. The committee felt that this event will be a valuable opportunity to meet the many new people who have recently joined the party.

Alliance Party MLA for North Down Dr Stephen Farry reminded those present that the Northern Ireland Assembly Road show will be visiting Bangor on Thursday 15 October 2009 at the Marine Court Hotel, Bangor from 7.30pm.

The group were updated by Alliance Councillor for Ballyholme and Groomsport Alderman Marsden Fitzsimmons concerning ongoing work to foster relations with Bobbio in Italy due to the Christian Heritage connections between Bangor and Bobbio.

Association Chairman Neil Dickey commended Councillor Tony Hill for his ongoing work as Mayor of North Down whilst the Committee unanimously supported the Alliance Party's continued stance calling for All Party Talks to resolve the post-primary transfer crisis.

7 October 2009

North Down Alliance Insight

June 2009: North Down Alliance celebrate excellent Euro Poll result

The recent European Parliamentary election result was high on the agenda when the Alliance Party in North Down met on Monday 29 June 2009.

All present at the Executive Committee for the North Down Association of the Alliance Party commended local Councillor Ian Parsley on the excellent result achieved. Committee members were delighted that the party achieved it’s best result since it first stood in European elections. All were in agreement with Ian Parsley’s comment following the election that "I hope this result has helped to restore the faith of young people in politics".

The group were also in agreement with David Ford’s comments as Party Leader when he stated "Ian fought an excellent campaign and this is a great result. His positive approach to politics is a breath of fresh air and the people of Northern Ireland have in this result recognised his massive potential. To have achieved our best result in a European election since 1979 shows that the future is extremely bright for Alliance."

Following discussion on the Euro Poll the committee discussed the forthcoming Summer Fair due to take place at the Marquis Hall, Castle Park, Bangor on Saturday 8 August 2009 from 10am. Arrangements were made for a wide array of stalls in order to ensure the event retains its popularity.

The issue of flags was raised and unanimous support given to local MLA Stephen Farry and North Down Mayor Councillor Tony Hill for the stances they have adopted concerning the matter.

An update was provided concerning Marine Gardens development at Queen’s Parade with everyone present encouraged to make a response to the consultation being undertaken by the Department for Social Development. North Down Alliance MLA reminded those present that the consultation deadline is Friday 24 July 2009.

Those present were also informed that the two new recycling facilities are now officially open with a general opinion expressed that North Down should be commended for taking the lead in encouraging people to reduce, reuse and recycle.

17 July 2009

Northern Ireland becomes more intolerant

The Equality Commission today published research concerning public attitudes towards minorities in Northern Ireland.

I don't intend to write too much about the research but one thing stands out clearly. According to the research the public in Northern Ireland have become more intolerant of minorities.

In 2005 when the research was first carried out 38% of people surveyed stated that they would mind if a friend or relative entered into a relationship with a traveller. In 2008 this has risen to 51%.

Similarly, in 2005 29% of people surveyed stated that they would mind if a relative or friend entered into a relationship with a lesbian, gay or bisexual person. In 2008 this has risen to 35%.

We can debate at length why Northern Ireland has become more intolerant but it's clear to me that a lot of blame can be apportioned to the two dominant parties within Northern Ireland's Executive, namely the DUP and Sinn Fein.

The DUP and Sinn Fein have failed to take any decisive pro-active action in government to promote diversity and tackle intolerance. We are still waiting for a new Shared Future strategy after previously being told it would be published by Halloween 2008. The Executive seems to be seriously riven with divisions. As a result no meaningful decisions are being made nor is any decisive leadership being shown that is required to create a new Northern Ireland which is more tolerant of all people, including travellers and gay people.

In this vacuum it is not surprising that public are becoming more intolerant of minorities with people such as the First Minister's Wife Iris Robinson MP MLA fanning the flames of hate after using the words "disgusting, loathed, physical disgust, nauseous, shamefully wicked, vile, an abomination" to refer to homosexuality in 2008.

24 June 2009

Run Andrew Run

Some people many have noticed that I have recently taken up road running and have been competing in 10k runs since March 2009 when I took part in the Between the Bridges 10k run along the Westlink in Belfast.

Before Between the Bridges I didn't really like running. I found it to be a painful and uncomfortable experience. When I achieved a respectable time of 47mins 49secs at Between the Bridges I guessed that I had found a sport I was actually good at. Since Between the Bridges I bought decent running shoes (Asics GT-2140) and have competed in six runs, mainly 10k apart from one 5k in Ballysillan. The new running shoes immediately eliminated the pain I had previously experienced. I joined North Down Athletics Club in late April 09 and have benefited from many useful training tips which have made running a really pleasant experience, other than when I am pushing myself to the limit over the finishing line! Membership of North Down AC is also providing me with the opportunity to share my running passion with other likeminded people.

As the weeks progressed it was apparent that I was completing 10k runs in about 42 minutes. I therefore set myself a target to run 10k in under 40 minutes by the end of the year, ideally at Bangor 10k on 26 September 09. Never in my wildest thoughts did I feel that I would achieve this target so quickly when I completed a 10k run in 39mins 46secs at the Lisburn 10k on Wednesday 17 June 09.

I readily admit that running is fast becoming a big part of my life. I still feel a sense of elation days later after breaking the 40 minute barrier on Wednesday at the Lisburn 10k.

No sooner have I completed a 10k run am I eagerly looking forward to my next competition, running five times a week in preparation. Some people may feel that this is an unhealthy bizarre obsession but I disagree.

I deal with injuries when they arise and have managed to maintain a decent social life plus my range of voluntary commitments with community groups and The Alliance Party.

I find that running is good for my mind and body whilst also relatively cheap and less time consuming as many other sports. It is also providing me with a great sense of confidence. Every good running time is an amazing achievement for me. Running through the finishing line makes gives me a real sense of pride in myself and also North Down AC.

When attending school I was often told by many people that I was useless at sport, defined often as football and rugby. I now feel that I have found a sport that I truly enjoy and am pretty decent at. I am really enjoying meeting the many great people within the world of running and love coming home with a real sense of personal achievement.

Hopefully as each race passes I will stop boring you with my running stories. In the meantime please bear with me. Hopefully this blog explains why I am now in love with running.

21 June 2009

North Down Alliance Insight

May 2009: North Down Alliance prepare for series of Summer events

The Executive Committee for the North Down Association of the Alliance Party met on Monday 18 May 2009 in Bangor and discussed a wide range of issues.

The Association finalised details of a number of exciting fundraising events to take place during the Summer including a Barbeque and Summer Fair.

Whilst most of the meeting focused on the forthcoming European Parliamentary Elections time was spent addressing other matters.

Alderman Marsden Fitzsimmons updated those present on the Castle Park Walled Garden with a great turnout at the recent official opening. 

The new plans for Queens Parade were given a generally positive reception with an update provided in relation to the Department for Social Development’s ongoing work to devise a Master plan for Bangor.

The recent renewable energy grant for the new leisure centre was warmly welcomed.

North Down Alliance MLA Stephen Farry also updated members on current developments at Stormont with all in agreement that the Executive should be taking more decisive action on important matters such as post primary transfer.

3 June 2009