Alliance Leader Emphasizes Importance of Stormont Role
Alliance leader Naomi Long is set to caution that her party's involvement in the Northern Ireland Executive "should not be taken for granted". She is expected to address this during the party's annual conference held in Belfast.
The party's ongoing participation in Stormont's power-sharing government remains a delicate "balance," Long will say. She indicates support for a "change in direction" if attempts to achieve key priorities within the four-party coalition are "frustrated by heel-dragging."
The conference, which took place on Saturday under the slogan "hope not fear," featured guest speakers including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Having led Alliance for nearly a decade, Long also holds the position of justice minister in Northern Ireland's devolved government. She is one of two Alliance ministers serving in the Stormont executive, with her party being the third-largest in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Long's Conference Speech Highlights Political Climate
In her speech, Long is expected to observe that politics, both locally and globally, is increasingly "defined by fear." She will assert that other parties attempt to "distract from their poor record of delivery by keeping people afraid and divided."
"Alliance is interested in what we can build together instead" and "our future should be built on hope, not fear."
This conference marks Alliance's third since the restoration of devolution in February 2024, following a two-year suspension of the institutions.
The suspension had been caused by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) blocking the institutions in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements. The DUP ended its boycott after reaching a deal with the UK government.
Long will emphasize the importance of "making government work," stating it is critical "not because it is easy, but because it matters." She will stress that "hope in politics is built through delivery," while also noting that her party's "participation in those institutions is a balance."
"If we reach a point where our ability to deliver on key priorities is stymied by vetoes and frustrated by heel-dragging, then rest assured, I would be advocating a change in direction and I think I speak for all my colleagues when I say they would be following me.
Our continued participation in the executive cannot and should not be taken for granted."
Andy Burnham, who has been mentioned as a potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, also addressed the conference.
Burnham Calls for Institutional Reform
Burnham described the situation as "code-red for Westminster," advocating for institutional reform to better represent the interests of the UK's nations and regions.
"The UK political system hasn't worked for the north-west of England, and it hasn't worked for Northern Ireland."
"Big change is needed" and "if we are to get it, then it will require us to join forces."
"When people are giving up on politics, we are in dangerous territory. It is code-red for Westminster."
Prior to the conference, Burnham met with members of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), including its leader Claire Hanna.
Naomi Long's speech was available to watch live on the NI website from 12:30 GMT.
