Mrs Long said the priority for everyone as we reach 2026 should be reform of the institutions to ensure an end to the dysfunction which was laid bare in the Covid Inquiry.
“As another year comes to an end, dysfunction and deadlock continue to cast a long shadow over the corridors of Stormont – harming local people every day,” she said.
“Our public services are failing. Our environment is burning. Our communities remain divided. And while Alliance went back into government determined to play our part in addressing those issues, our ambition has been stifled by party politicking and petty divisions around the Executive table.
“Last month’s report from the Covid Inquiry laid bare the sheer scale of the dysfunction. Even in a global pandemic, the two largest parties couldn’t set aside their sectarian divisions and work in the best interests of everyone. Instead, we saw the abuse of power-sharing to further individual interests and ideology. Sadly, that pattern has continued over the last 12 months.
“But 2025 must be the last year that this is allowed to continue. We simply have to put the politics of veto and deadlock in the rear-view mirror.
“I believe there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Alliance closed out the year with a major win for everyone in Northern Ireland, as a majority in the Assembly backed our call for institutional reform. That’s the first time that has ever happened, and we’re now pressing the UK and Irish Governments to convene a reform process in the New Year.
“I truly believe that is the only way we’ll get a government focused less on narrow party political interests and more on delivering a better, more stable and shared community for everyone.
“It is the only way that anti-sectarian, inclusive voices can play our full and proper part in decision-making.
“As we move into 2026, we cannot allow ransom politics to win out. Whether holding papers hostage in the Executive or threatening the institutions themselves, veto and collapse cannot continue to frustrate delivery throughout what is left of this Assembly mandate. There is simply too much work left to do to build the inclusive, shared and sustainable society that people in Northern Ireland deserve.
“My Alliance team is up for that challenge in 2026 as always, and I hope other leaders will join me in grasping the opportunity the year ahead holds to deliver real transformation and change, focused on the common good.
"That is the most meaningful way we can demonstrate our determination that everyone across Northern Ireland will enjoy a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.”