Mrs Long said while she understood many people’s frustration with the Executive parties and institutions, Thursday’s poll was the chance to deliver a message to the DUP and Sinn Fein by voting for Alliance and other progressive parties.
“This election is not only a chance for people to take a stand against the numerous scandals we have seen under the DUP and Sinn Fein – RHI, Nama, Red Sky, Research Services Ireland and SIF – but also change the pattern that leads to the biggest cost of all, division manipulated by those who profit from it.
“It is a golden opportunity to turn things around and get the sort of politics you want. It is a chance to elect responsible, proven leadership who will work in the best interests of everyone. It’s an opportunity to put an end to the pettiness, squabbling, corruption and division that’s destroying our public services and eroding public trust. But people need to grasp this opportunity.
“Every vote for Alliance in every constituency will matter. It will send out a strong message about the type of society people want to see – a progressive, liberal and vibrant community which celebrates diversity as a strength, rather than exploiting difference as a weakness.
“It’s the chance to end the sham fights between ‘them and us’ and instead focus on what we can achieve together, and to make our politics into something honest, open, responsible, respectful and hard working. To change things for good.”