Eóin Tennyson

@eointennyson.bsky.social

Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party • MLA for Upper Bann • Progressive politics & shared future • eoin.tennyson@mla.niassembly.gov.uk

It is not good enough for other parties to play lip service to the disbandment of paramilitaries, @eointennyson.bsky.social has said, as the DUP and Sinn Féin voiced their support for the appointment of a Government go-between for paramilitary groups. www.allianceparty.org/not_good_eno...

Not good enough for others to pay lip service to paramilitary disbandment, says Tennyson

Not good enough for others to pay lip service to paramilitary disbandment, says Tennyson

allianceparty.org

Today, DUP Education Minister Paul Givan blocked two North Down schools from becoming integrated despite a majority of parents voting in favour. Integrated education is a cornerstone of the united community we're trying to build. The minister must urgently explain his decision.

Image of a school. Text reads: The DUP has blocked Integrated Education in North Down This is despite 80% and 82% of parents at Bangor Academy and Rathmore Primary School voting in support of integrated transformation.

It is disgraceful that Paul Givan has blocked two schools from transforming to integrated status, despite overwhelming support from parents. It seems parental choice is only paramount when it suits the DUP’s agenda. Why, in 2025, would any minister stand in the way of educating children together?

The Banbridge community came together last night in memory of Karen Cummings and the 24 other women who have been murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020. We must unite to end violence against women and girls. Enough is enough.

A large crowd attending a candlelight vigil in Solitude Park, Banbridge.

I’m delighted that agreement has been reached to deliver a 5.5% pay increase for healthcare workers, maintaining parity with England and Wales. Our public sector workers are the backbone of our public services, and deserve to be paid fairly for the vital work that they do.

My thoughts are with the loved ones of Karen Cummings as they come to terms with this devastating loss. Karen is the seventh woman to be killed in NI this year. We must unite to say enough is enough. Violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated.

History will judge those who pursued a hard Brexit against the wishes of people here. The Windsor Framework provides the only viable means to mitigate its impact. As a pro-EU party, Alliance is committed to protecting dual market access and a stronger relationship with Europe.

With no credible alternatives, the Windsor Framework is necessary for political stability. Alliance has always been firmly pro-European. In a debate where all members’ votes are of equal worth, ours have made the difference in ensuring the strength of our relationship with the EU.

Image of an EU flag.

Text reads: Alliance votes ensure NI's relationship with EU remains strong

Softer Brexit alternatives were dismissed by those now opposing the Windsor Framework. Ironically, the DUP called it a success earlier this year. Alliance backs the Framework, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s the best choice for stability over chaos.

This is a pathetic move from SF, DUP, UUP & SDLP. Our plan would have reversed the cap placed on cross-compliance penalties by the DUP, and is the bare minimum we can do to tackle pollution and protect Lough Neagh. Only Alliance can be trusted to stand up for our environment.

Alliance Party@allianceparty.bsky.social · 2y ago

It’s shameful that other parties have voted against Alliance’s plan to increase penalties for polluters. Our proposal would’ve reversed the DUP’s cap on cross-compliance penalties. Only Alliance is committed to protecting our environment and Lough Neagh.

Image of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh.

Text reads: "Sinn Féin, DUP, SDLP & UUP vote against our plans to increase penalties for polluters."

Very sorry to hear of Ken Reid's passing. He was an experienced, insightful journalist and a warm, engaging human being. His loss will be felt by his journalist colleagues in UTV and beyond and by politicians of all shades. Most of all, he'll be missed by his family, who he adored.