Alliance’s East Belfast Westminster candidate said the fact the party was fielding candidates in all 18 constituencies, including the highest percentage of women among the five main parties, proved yet again only Alliance was focused on moving Northern Ireland forward, not back.
Mrs Long said: “Alliance is committed to representing everyone. In 2010, I was one of just 142 women MPs elected to Parliament, making up just 22 per cent of the total. While things might be improving slowly, the lack of women in public life is still a concern.
“Almost 100 years since women won the right to vote, too many still stay at home on election day, uninspired by the choice on the ballot paper. It’s unsurprising, given parties like the DUP claim to represent all voters, but can’t manage to find one female out of 18 keen to represent their policies.
“I’m proud Alliance has made real progress in inspiring women to step forward and take their place on the frontline of political life. It isn’t a token gesture, but rather a signal that women have as much to offer as men. I’m proud to be part of the seven strong female candidates standing up and speaking out for what they believe is possible – a shared Northern Ireland.”
ENDS