Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 June 2001
CLOSE RESIGNS AS ALLIANCE PARTY DEPUTY LEADER
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.
CLOSE RESIGNS AS ALLIANCE PARTY DEPUTY LEADER
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.
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.
06 August 2008
'Joint' Bid To Recall Assembly Possible
A top Ulster Unionist member has come out in support of an SDLP call to convene a special meeting of the Stormont Assembly. The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
'Joint' Bid To Recall Assembly Possible
A top Ulster Unionist member has come out in support of an SDLP call to convene a special meeting of the Stormont Assembly. The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
