The Lisnasharragh Councillor was canvassing in Carncaver Road when two men approached him, shouting abuse and telling him to leave the area. When Councillor Long attempted to continue, his path was blocked and an assault incurred.
"In my 22 years as an elected representative for this area, I have never been faced with this level of intimidation. As a local councillor, I work for everyone in my community and this attempt to stop me from engaging with constituents is a clear attack on the democratic process.
'I loathe that I had to leave the street however, I was back on the doors nearby within the hour and I will continue to reach out to people across Lisnasharragh, in every street and area, as I have done throughout my time as a councillor. This event will not deter me.
“The incident has been reported to the PSNI and I’d like to thank them for their assistance. These thugs will not deter us from representing every section of our community and we will continue fighting for a shared future.”