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Alliance leader Naomi Long has defended her party\u2019s decision not to stand aside for other pro Remain election candidates.<\/p>\nAlliance leader Naomi Long has defended her party\u2019s decision not to stand aside for other pro Remain election candidates.<\/p>\n
The cross-community party has refused to take part in the election co-operation efforts between Sinn F\u00e9in, the SDLP and Greens in constituencies where tight races are expected at next month\u2019s General Election.<\/p>\n
It is the only party to stand candidates in all of Northern Ireland\u2019s 18 parliamentary constituencies.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in has stood aside in South Belfast in support of the pro Remain SDLP candidate Claire Hanna against the DUP\u2019s Emma Little Pengelly, while the SDLP has stood aside in North Belfast to back the pro Remain Sinn F\u00e9in candidate John Finucane against DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Green Party has stood aside in all four Belfast constituencies.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the Alliance Party\u2019s manifesto launch in east Belfast on Monday morning, Ms Long said her party wants to offer voters choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of Brexit is bigger than the Alliance Party but looking at each constituency I don\u2019t see better candidates than those being put forward by the Alliance Party and I say that not just out of pride in my colleagues but in terms of the manifesto on which they are standing and the values and vision which will drive them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is why we will not be stepping aside in any constituency, the voters will make their decision as to who they want to represent them in Westminster.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that Alliance is best placed to do that on an inclusive basis, on a co-operative basis in a way that can bring people together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we are offering people, if they reject it then like every party, we will understand that that is their choice. But we will not deny them that choice, we will not rob them of the opportunity to choose better.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public in terms of the feedback that we have received from people welcome the fact that they are getting that opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The party\u2019s North Belfast candidate Nuala McAllister also spoke at the event at the Park Avenue Hotel, saying she would not \u201cabandon\u201d Alliance voters by not standing for election.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat sort of leadership would it be to step aside and endorse the two parties who have shown such a poor ability to lead us in Northern Ireland, what kind of choice would that leave people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Long also criticized what she termed as a \u201cbrutal election campaign\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fighting elections for almost 20 years I cannot recall a single election which has been as brutal in terms of the campaign, in terms of the smears, the lies, the disinformation and the personal attacks that have been launched on candidates as I do in this particular campaign,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Alliance manifesto contains key pledges which include backing a People\u2019s Vote, opposing a no deal Brexit and pressing for a restoration of devolution.<\/p>\n
It also calls for climate action, closing the public sector pay gap, an independent review of education, repealing the bedroom tax, integrating housing and an elected House of Lords.<\/p>\n
Ms Long said: \u201cThis manifesto outlines Alliance\u2019s support for a People\u2019s Vote, and our commitment to protect our economy from a disastrous no deal Brexit. Brexit can still be stopped. Democracy did not end in June 2016 \u2013 people have the right to change their mind and demand better than new barriers and reduced opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarlier this year, people from all backgrounds right across our community united to elect me as the first Alliance MEP. I believe we can come together again and elect a strong team of Alliance MPs who will go to Westminster to defend the best interests of Northern Ireland, as outlined in this manifesto.\u201d<\/p>\n