Alderman Jim Rodgers has stated that the Alliance Party`s support for the backstop which ignores the concerns of unionists and their track record in Belfast City Hall indicates their direction of travel for the future.
Mr Rodgers said:
“Unionists now see Alliance as a third nationalist party; this is because they are seen at Michelle O'Neill's shoulder when protests over an Irish Language Act are being held and they have also thrown their lot in with the Taoiseach in supporting a backstop which drives a coach and horses through the Belfast Agreement, undermines the principle of consent and totally ignores the concerns of unionists.
“It clearly indicates the direction of travel for Alliance in the future. My experience of Alliance in Belfast City Council is that they are in effect in coalition with Sinn Fein and following a nationalist agenda in the City Hall.
“Gone are the days when Alliance was perceived as a party dedicated to bringing people from all sections of the community together. Now they are a dog eat dog party which is actively courting the nationalist vote having spent years attacking unionists.”