Alliance leader Naomi Long confirms she will contest East Belfast election seat
Ms Long will challenge DUP interim leader for the seat which she previously held from 2010 to 2015.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has confirmed she will run in the General Election in the East Belfast constituency.
Ms Long will challenge interim DUP leader Gavin Robinson for the seat that he has held since 2015.
Previously Ms Long held the seat from 2010 to 2015 after historically defeating former DUP leader Peter Robinson.
At the last general election in 2019, Ms Long was just under 2,000 votes behind Mr Robinson.
The current Stormont Justice Minister described the July 4 poll as an opportunity for her party to return a number of MPs.
It is understood that she plans to remain in post as minister during the election campaign.
In a statement, Ms Long said: “It is always an honour to be the East Belfast candidate in any election, and this time, Alliance has a real opportunity to return several MPs and send a message that as a society we are moving forward beyond traditional divides to seek the best outcomes for everyone.”
Alliance is hoping its sole current MP, Stephen Farry, will be able to defend his North Down seat, and the party is also aiming for gains in other constituencies.
Ms Long said: “Both in East Belfast, and across Northern Ireland, we have an opportunity to choose a brighter, more positive politics, focused on growing a dynamic, sustainable economy, delivering fair funding for public services through the block grant, and ending political instability by reforming our institutions to remove vetoes.
“That’s what my colleagues and I are offering voters – their votes plus our commitment adds up to a better future.
“Whilst others are already focused on constitutional fear-mongering and division, Alliance is focused on issues such as health, education, the economy, climate, and the cost of living, seeking practical and innovative ways to improve people’s lives.
“If the people of East Belfast elect me as their MP on July 4, I am committed to leading that change at Westminster.”