20/06/2019

Máire Hendron To Replace Naomi Long In Stormont

The Alliance Party has co-opted Máire Hendron, a former Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, to replace Naomi Long at Stormont.

Party leader Mrs Long has been replaced following her election to the European Parliament last month.

Mrs Hendron, a founder member of the party and former east Belfast Councillor, will take up her role at the start of July. "I am honoured and privileged to have been selected as the new Alliance East Belfast MLA," she said following her appointment.


"I'm eager to get started and once again represent the people of East Belfast, and having the opportunity to make another key contribution to local politics. We are at a time when Alliance has a key role to play in bringing people together and helping to restore a functioning Assembly that delivers for all the people of Northern Ireland."


Mrs Long said it was fitting a founder member of the party was becoming an MLA following the Alliance surge of successes in the local government and European elections.
 "Last month, many of Alliance's successful candidates paid tribute to Máire and her husband Jim for the vision they showed in the party's early days, paving the way for the success it is now seeing.

"Máire is also highly respected across all parties in local politics, with years of experience, including her year as Deputy Mayor of Belfast. Added to her long-standing relationship with myself and Chris Lyttle MLA, she is well placed to replace me as MLA and represent the people of East Belfast."



(JG)

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