Naomi Long, the leader of the Alliance Party, has announced her candidacy for the East Belfast seat in the forthcoming UK general election. She will be contesting against acting DUP leader Gavin Robinson, who has held the position since 2015, a role Ms Long formerly held between 2010 and 2015, succeeding Peter Robinson, the ex-DUP leader.
In the 2019 general election, Ms Long was only just short of 2,000 votes behind Mr Robinson. As the existing Minister for Justice in Stormont, she views the poll on the 4th of July as a chance for the Alliance Party to increase their representation in parliament. She is planning to continue her ministerial duties throughout the election.
Ms Long expressed her honour to represent East Belfast again, emphasising the Alliance Party’s objective of superseding traditional political divisions by moving towards a more progressive society. She also voiced her expectation for Stephen Farry, their only current MP, to retain his position in North Down, while hoping the party will secure more seats elsewhere.
Focusing on a brighter, more constructive style of politics that supports a vibrant and sustainable economy, Ms Long and her colleagues plan to provide adequate funding for public services, and stabilise politics by tweaking our systems to eliminate blockages. They aim to address key issues such as health, education, the economy, climate change and living costs, and explore methodical and novel solutions to enhance people’s lives. She condemned other parties for instigating fear and division around constitutional issues.
Ms Long is dedicated to initiating this change at Westminster, if the residents of East Belfast choose her to be their MP on 4th July.