Naomi Long Warns Alliance Party’s Stormont Role Is Not Guaranteed, Criticizes International Leaders

Belfast – Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has cautioned that her party’s participation in the Northern Ireland Executive is contingent upon progress and could be withdrawn if key priorities are consistently obstructed. Addressing her party’s annual conference in Belfast on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Long emphasized the need for delivery and warned against complacency.

Alliance Party’s Position in the Executive

Long stated that the Alliance Party’s continued involvement in the power-sharing government is a “balance” and “cannot and should not be taken for granted.” She indicated that if efforts to achieve the coalition’s objectives are “frustrated by heel-dragging,” the Alliance Party would consider “a change in direction.” She previously stated she would step away from the Executive if it became too “threadbare” to deliver for the people. [RTE]

Criticism of International Leaders

Long used her speech to criticize both former U.S. President Donald Trump and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. She confirmed the Alliance Party would not be attending St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House due to Trump’s “race-baiting” and disrespectful treatment of female journalists. [BBC]

She similarly addressed the conflicts involving Israel, Iran, and Hamas, stating it was “simplistic and crass” to expect people to “pick a side.” Long asserted it was possible to condemn both Hamas as a terrorist organization and acknowledge concerns about the Israeli government’s actions, as well as to criticize human rights abuses by the Iranian regime while also recognizing that recent military action by the U.S. And Israel is contrary to international law. [RTE]

‘Hope Not Fear’ and Party Success

The conference theme was “hope not fear,” and Long emphasized the importance of building a future based on optimism rather than division. She highlighted the Alliance Party’s growth, noting it has become the third-largest party in Stormont, and dismissed critics who doubted their success. [BBC]

Burnham Addresses Conference

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a potential challenger to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was a guest speaker at the conference. Burnham called for an overhaul of the UK parliamentary system, arguing it has not adequately served regions outside of London and the southeast. [Irish Times]

Restored Devolution

The conference took place nearly two years after the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland in February 2024, following a two-year hiatus caused by the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) boycott over post-Brexit trade rules. [BBC]