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Alliance Party leader Naomi Long is set to emphasize that her party’s involvement in the Northern Ireland Executive should not be assumed as guaranteed. Speaking at the party’s annual conference in Belfast, she is expected to highlight that their continued engagement in the power-sharing government at Stormont represents a delicate balance. Long plans to express that she would consider advocating for a change in strategy if the coalition’s efforts to advance key priorities are consistently obstructed by delays or vetoes.
The conference, taking place on Saturday under the theme “hope not fear,” will also feature a speech from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Long, who has been leading the Alliance for nearly a decade and currently holds the post of justice minister in Northern Ireland’s devolved government, will focus her address on the prevailing climate of fear in politics, both locally and internationally. She intends to criticize other parties for fostering division and distraction to cover up their shortcomings in delivering effective governance.
Long will stress that the Alliance is committed to building a future centered on optimism and collaboration. She believes that politics should be driven by what can be collectively achieved rather than by fear and division. Since the restoration of devolution in February 2024, following a two-year suspension caused by the Democratic Unionist Party’s boycott over post-Brexit trade issues, this marks the party’s third conference. The boycott ended only after the DUP reached an agreement with the UK government.
In her speech, Long will underscore the importance of making government function effectively “not because it is easy, but because it matters.” She will recognize that the party’s role in the executive is contingent on its ability to deliver results and will issue a clear warning that continued participation depends on avoiding political obstruction. Long is quoted saying, “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.” Additionally, Andy Burnham’s address is expected to touch on countering the rise of populism, and he will hold meetings with officials from the Social Democratic and Labour Party ahead of the conference
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