12/01/2026
Alliance Leader Calls For Reform As Assembly Returns For 2026
As the Northern Ireland Assembly reconvenes for 2026, Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has reaffirmed her party's commitment to delivering a united community and reliable public services.
Mrs Long stated that her primary focus for the new year remains on building a sustainable, shared future for all citizens, moving away from political division.
Reflecting on the return to Stormont, Mrs Long said: "The Assembly is back for 2026, and my party colleagues and I look forward to continuing to represent our constituents and grasping the opportunities the year ahead holds to deliver real transformation and change.
"Since the restoration of the institutions, Alliance has been busy protecting our environment, tackling violence against women and girls, supporting working families, and making our communities safer. But there's so much more to do."
The Justice Minister highlighted several key priorities for the upcoming mandate, including the stabilisation of the health service, the advancement of integrated education, and the fostering of a thriving economy. Central to the party's agenda is the push for institutional reform, which Mrs Long argues is essential to preventing further "dysfunctional government".
Mrs Long noted that while 2025 had been a challenging year marked by "culture wars" and political delays, she remains optimistic about the potential for progress.
She added: "Even though we are leaving behind a difficult year for politics and for the people of Northern Ireland, with some parties focused on culture wars, division and delay, our people and our communities fill me with hope, pride and optimism.
"As part of a strong Alliance team, I will continue to work every day to challenge the politics of fear, division, and distraction. And together, we can build a more positive, progressive, and united community, where everyone, no matter their background, can reach their full potential."
Mrs Long stated that her primary focus for the new year remains on building a sustainable, shared future for all citizens, moving away from political division.
Reflecting on the return to Stormont, Mrs Long said: "The Assembly is back for 2026, and my party colleagues and I look forward to continuing to represent our constituents and grasping the opportunities the year ahead holds to deliver real transformation and change.
"Since the restoration of the institutions, Alliance has been busy protecting our environment, tackling violence against women and girls, supporting working families, and making our communities safer. But there's so much more to do."
Mrs Long noted that while 2025 had been a challenging year marked by "culture wars" and political delays, she remains optimistic about the potential for progress.
She added: "Even though we are leaving behind a difficult year for politics and for the people of Northern Ireland, with some parties focused on culture wars, division and delay, our people and our communities fill me with hope, pride and optimism.
"As part of a strong Alliance team, I will continue to work every day to challenge the politics of fear, division, and distraction. And together, we can build a more positive, progressive, and united community, where everyone, no matter their background, can reach their full potential."
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Hoax bomb alert at school condemned
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Hoax bomb alert at school condemned
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.