She was speaking after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the General Election would take place on July 4.

“We welcome the announcement of a General Election. It has been a long time coming and finally presents a real opportunity for people to remove the failing Conservative Government from power,” said Mrs Long.

“Locally, there is also a chance for people to give their verdict on the past four-and-a-half years, particularly with those parties and MPs who have aligned with the Tories and voted with them on a series of issues during the lifetime of this Parliament.

“Alliance welcomes a General Election. Our candidates and other representatives have been out in their constituencies for some time already, speaking to people and talking about how they want positivity, progressiveness, responsibility and delivery in their politics. That is what Alliance is providing and the substantial growth of the party in recent years is proof people are responding positively to that.

“We have also been highlighting the sterling records of our sitting MP, MLAs and Councillors, as well as the good work already carried out in the Departments in which we hold Ministries since the restoration of the Assembly. People want to talk about the issues which matter to them, such as health, education, the economy, the cost of living and the environment, and that’s what we are focusing on.

“Polls, pundits and the public all state Alliance is the main challenger to the DUP in several constituencies, with a real possibility of defeating them in this election. Our positivity, progressiveness, responsibility and record of delivery is what we will be standing on, and I am confident people will back us on that platform.”