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06/09/2001
Neeson quits as Alliance Party Leader
The leader of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland, Sean Neeson, has resigned.
The East Antrim assembly member said he was stepping down because he felt it was time for "a new face with fresh energy " to lead the party.
The move follows the recent appointment of Eileen Bell as the Alliance Party’s Deputy Leader.
However, it is believed Mr Neeson will stay on as leader of the party until a successor is found. He was elected leader exactly three years ago this month, following Lord Alderdice's resignation.
The Alliance Party, which currently holds five seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, has suffered a huge slide in its electoral fortunes in recent years. In the party’s heyday in the 1974 district council elections Alliance pulled in 14.4 per cent of the vote, but in the recent Westminster election Alliance candidates could only manage to attract 3.6 per cent of the electorate.
Former deputy leader Seamus Close stepped down in July citing difficulties within the party leadership, in particular the controversial decision not to field a candidate in the North Down Westminster election. (MB)
The East Antrim assembly member said he was stepping down because he felt it was time for "a new face with fresh energy " to lead the party.
The move follows the recent appointment of Eileen Bell as the Alliance Party’s Deputy Leader.
However, it is believed Mr Neeson will stay on as leader of the party until a successor is found. He was elected leader exactly three years ago this month, following Lord Alderdice's resignation.
The Alliance Party, which currently holds five seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, has suffered a huge slide in its electoral fortunes in recent years. In the party’s heyday in the 1974 district council elections Alliance pulled in 14.4 per cent of the vote, but in the recent Westminster election Alliance candidates could only manage to attract 3.6 per cent of the electorate.
Former deputy leader Seamus Close stepped down in July citing difficulties within the party leadership, in particular the controversial decision not to field a candidate in the North Down Westminster election. (MB)
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22 June 2001
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FOLLOWING a series of disagreements within the Alliance Party Northern Ireland leadership, Seamus Close has resigned from his position as the party’s deputy leader. Mr Close said: “Recently, I have disagree with several decisions in the Alliance Party, including that of withdrawing from North Down during the General Election.
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10 April 2006
Hain appoints NI Assembly Speaker
Former Alliance party deputy leader Eileen Bell has today been announced as the new speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, when it resumes on May 15.
Hain appoints NI Assembly Speaker
Former Alliance party deputy leader Eileen Bell has today been announced as the new speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, when it resumes on May 15.
04 October 2001
Alliance Party poised to elect new leader
The Alliance Party will elect a new leader this weekend to replace Sean Neeson, who stepped down as party leader last month.
Alliance Party poised to elect new leader
The Alliance Party will elect a new leader this weekend to replace Sean Neeson, who stepped down as party leader last month.
11 August 2011
Protestors Fail To Confront Alliance Leader
Republicans have this morning missed their target and failed to confront the NI Justice Minister over a prison dispute. They staged their protest in support of prisoners at the Alliance Party headquarters in south Belfast - but failed in their mission to come face to face with the Alliance Leader David Ford who is also the Justice Minister.
Protestors Fail To Confront Alliance Leader
Republicans have this morning missed their target and failed to confront the NI Justice Minister over a prison dispute. They staged their protest in support of prisoners at the Alliance Party headquarters in south Belfast - but failed in their mission to come face to face with the Alliance Leader David Ford who is also the Justice Minister.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
