Mrs Long has said, as always, our focus as a party for the new year is delivering for the people of Northern Ireland and building a better, brighter, shared future for everyone with improved, reliable public services.
 
“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,” she said.
 
“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.
 
“That includes putting public finances on a more sustainable footing, pushing for transformation and stabilisation of our health service, delivering integrated education, and ensuring we have a thriving economy. Not least, reforming the institutions to put an end to dysfunctional government.
 
“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.”