Mrs Long said a series of scandals involving the Executive parties meant the public’s confidence in local politics was at an all-time low. She also said we needed to counter the divisive politics of 2016, and focus on bringing people together and celebrating diversity.
“There is no doubting 2016 was a bad year for progressive, open, liberal politics – internationally, nationally and also here at home, where our own Executive has been characterised by a series of cock-ups and cover-ups.
“Politics has been typified by division, dishonesty and ultimately disappointment. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Alliance has continued to work hard to deliver open and accountable politics and government, and we challenge other parties here to do the same in 2017 and beyond.
“We will also continue working to build an open and welcoming society, one in which we celebrate diversity instead of using difference to divide people. Other parties need to realise what brings us together is the shared belief our society can thrive because of our differences, not in spite of them.”