Menu
21/03/2008
Change Assembly Voting: Mallon
Ten years on from the signing of the Belfast Agreement, one of the main contributors to its construction has said he would radically change the voting system at Stormont.
Seamus Mallon, former SDLP Deputy Leader, said he favours finding an alternative that still guarantees equality, noting that NI Assembly members are currently required to designate themselves unionist, nationalist or other.
"I would look at the whole question of designation," said Mr Mallon
"I would seek an alternative as a protection for the rights of both communities.
"And I think possibly if we look down those lines, in terms of any coming review, there might be a way of obtaining the absolute protection of equality."
Mr Mallon described as "demeaning" the way the Alliance party was able to redesignate itself to enable David Trimble and Mark Durkan to be elected First and Deputy First Minister in 2002.
He also said he would like to see "healthier flexibility" in the way the Northern Ireland Executive is formed.
(BMcC)
Seamus Mallon, former SDLP Deputy Leader, said he favours finding an alternative that still guarantees equality, noting that NI Assembly members are currently required to designate themselves unionist, nationalist or other.
"I would look at the whole question of designation," said Mr Mallon
"I would seek an alternative as a protection for the rights of both communities.
"And I think possibly if we look down those lines, in terms of any coming review, there might be a way of obtaining the absolute protection of equality."
Mr Mallon described as "demeaning" the way the Alliance party was able to redesignate itself to enable David Trimble and Mark Durkan to be elected First and Deputy First Minister in 2002.
He also said he would like to see "healthier flexibility" in the way the Northern Ireland Executive is formed.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
06 November 2002
MP blames IRA for Armagh attacks
Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister Seamus Mallon has said the IRA were behind a vicious attack on a young man in south Armagh. The man, 22-year-old Kieran Toner, was setting up his mobile chip van outside a pub in Camlough on Tuesday night when a gang attacked him.
MP blames IRA for Armagh attacks
Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister Seamus Mallon has said the IRA were behind a vicious attack on a young man in south Armagh. The man, 22-year-old Kieran Toner, was setting up his mobile chip van outside a pub in Camlough on Tuesday night when a gang attacked him.
28 February 2022
Infrastructure Minister Freezes Public Transport Fares
Bus and train fares have been frozen due to the ongoing cost of living crises, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced. Making the announcement, Minister Nichola Mallon said that she recognises the impact that inflation is having on the cost of living for the citizens of Northern Ireland as consumer prices rose on average by 5.
Infrastructure Minister Freezes Public Transport Fares
Bus and train fares have been frozen due to the ongoing cost of living crises, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced. Making the announcement, Minister Nichola Mallon said that she recognises the impact that inflation is having on the cost of living for the citizens of Northern Ireland as consumer prices rose on average by 5.
19 November 2007
Armagh Traffic Victim Was On Mercy Mission
The man who was killed in a weekend car crash has been named – and it has been revealed that he was on route to comfort bereaved relatives at the time of the accident. Two vehicles were involved in the collision at the Keady Road on Saturday evening in which 38-year-old Stephen Guy, from the Keady area, was fatally injured.
Armagh Traffic Victim Was On Mercy Mission
The man who was killed in a weekend car crash has been named – and it has been revealed that he was on route to comfort bereaved relatives at the time of the accident. Two vehicles were involved in the collision at the Keady Road on Saturday evening in which 38-year-old Stephen Guy, from the Keady area, was fatally injured.
-
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.
