Mrs Long was speaking after the appointment of Karen Bradley to the role.
“Alliance congratulates the new Secretary of State on her selection, wish her well in the role and we look forward to meeting her,” she said.
“However, it is vital she takes the opportunity to inject fresh momentum into the talks process, by immediately setting a new date for the commencement of all-party discussions and giving serious consideration to appointing an independent facilitator to take the talks forward as a matter of urgency.
“The people of Northern Ireland have been without a working Government for a year. This impasse cannot be allowed to go on any longer and I hope the new Secretary of State realises that.”