Commenting on Ian Parsley’s defection to the Conservative Party, Alliance Party Leader David Ford said:

“I am very disappointed at this news because I believe that Alliance remains the only party totally committed to a shared future in both word and deed.

“Whatever they may say about creating a shared future, UCUNF is still a sectarian group. There are huge contradictions between the delusions of some Conservatives that think they are anti-sectarian, and the 1950s-style bigotry still coming from Ulster Unionists elements. I fear Ian will find this contradiction more and more difficult to live with as time goes on.

“He has left a promising political career to stumble down a blind alley. It is sad to see an up and coming politician move to a marginal party with minimal prospects.”

After our involvement last year, Alliance Youth will be taking part in the nineteenth Belfast Pride Parade on Saturday 1 August.

We look forward to as many of our supporters and members joining us! We are meeting outside McHugh’s bar near Custom House Square at 1pm.

If you can go please let Conrad know on 07917153163.

Saturday 14 March, saw an enthusiastic group of Alliance Youth activists descend on Holywood for a day of surveying.

We met at the Maypole and headed up Church Road to the left and to the right. Many surveys were returned, and it was great to be out and about with European candidate, Cllr Ian Parsley.

We are already looking forward to next month’s action day in Lisburn, but before that there are further events to come.

Alliance Youth is calling on as many young people as possible to support the silent protests to show their condemnation of the attack on Massereene Army Barracks on Saturday. The protests have been called by the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s Northern Ireland Committee.

The protests are from 1pm on Wednesday 11 March 2009 at Belfast City Hall, The Guildhall, Londonderry, and Newry Town Hall.

Following the news that two military personnel are dead and four other men including two civilians are in a serious condition after an attack on Massereene Army base in Antrim last night, Alliance Youth has condemned the actions of the few who are responsible.

An Alliance Youth spokesperson said: “Although no one so far has claimed responsibility, it is inconceivable that it was carried out by anyone other than dissident republicans. 

“It is important that this attack does not destabilise the political process and the peace settlement that we have. It is essential that the whole community in Northern Ireland comes together and we urge anyone with information about this attack to contact the Police.”