David Ford said: “Local people are telling us on the doorsteps that they want an alternative to tribal politics. Alliance is that real alternative. We have a great team of candidates and they provide an excellent representation of today’s Northern Ireland and a good balance regarding age, gender and background.
“People want a strong voice in the Assembly that will represent everyone and ensure that the needs of everyone are put ahead of tribal politics.
“Alliance won the only election that has been held since St Andrews, which was the Skerries by-election in Coleraine. This victory sent out a strong message that people are moving away from tribal politics.
“For devolution to work, power must be genuinely shared, not carved up. Only Alliance can prevent a sectarian carve-up.
“Our team of candidates from across Northern Ireland will deliver the best services to local people and ensure a shared future for everyone in the region.
“People want the Assembly restored in order to deal with bread and butter issues that affect their daily lives like education, health and water charges.
“We have identified the one billion pound cost of segregation, and plan to end segregation and invest this saved cash in quality services for all.
“A strong Alliance team in the Assembly will mean stable and effective power-sharing. Its no good just wanting change; people need to go out and vote for the real alternative.”
Alliance Assembly Candidates
Belfast East – Naomi Long
Belfast North – Tommy McCullough
Belfast South – Anna Lo
Belfast West – Dan McGuinness
East Antrim – Sean Neeson/Stewart Dickson
East Londonderry – Barney Fitzpatrick
Fermanagh and South Tyrone – Alan Leonard
Foyle – Yvonne Boyle
Lagan Valley – Trevor Lunn
Mid-Ulster – Margaret Marshall
Newry and Armagh – Maire Hendron
North Antrim – Jayne Dunlop
North Down – Stephen Farry
South Antrim – David Ford
South Down – David Griffin
Strangford – Kieran McCarthy
Upper Bann – Shelia McQuaid
ENDS