Mr Martin became Taoiseach for the second time, replacing Simon Harris, who will serve as Tánaiste.

“My congratulations go to Michéal Martin on his election as Taoiseach and also to Simon Harris on becoming Tánaiste, and I wish both well in their new roles,” said Mrs Long.

“As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government has a key role to play in securing the future of the institutions here. The best and clearest way to do that is reform of the Assembly and Executive, to allow those who wish to get on with the job to do so and for everyone else not to be held hostage by ransom politics.

“As such, I am calling on the new Taoiseach to help do just that. He made supportive comments regarding our proposals on reform and how Northern Ireland has changed since 1998 at a recent Alliance Party Conference, and I am confident he will carry that attitude across in his position.

“Recent years have seen close and productive relationships between North and South, and I hope we continue to see such a positive partnership continue. I look forward to working with Mr Martin and his Government as part of that.”