Alliance leader Naomi Long invokes the era of double-jobbing MPs to defend principle of holding office while running for Westminster

The justice minister says if she runs in East Belfast, she would continue in her job until the election result is announced.

Health minister Robin Swann announced on Sunday he will stand down as health minister when a general election is called, as he has been selected to run for the UUP in South Antrim.

However, the Alliance leader says she sees no reason why she should do the same and says the discussion on the matter cannot be a “distraction”.

She told the BBC’s Chris Buckler “it’s not unusual for ministers also to fight elections, I’ve done that too... In fact, in the past it wasn’t unusual not only for ministers to fight elections – but for them to win elections and continue with their ministerial job”.

The Alliance leader said the issue is becoming a media talking point, but isn’t reflected in the conversations she is having.

“There is absolutely no barrier to continuing as minister while you fight an election. I’ve done it before. There is no barrier to continuing to be an Assembly member while you fight an election. And there is no barrier to you doing your job effectively and efficiently, if you manage your job in that way”, Mrs Long said.

She added: “I am focused on the department of justice now. I am working to get a decent budget for the department”.

The Alliance leader said she has not had the time or the inclination to focus on her candidature in East Belfast. “If I decide to run, one of my colleagues would take over and do that job, if I were successful in that election. If I decide not to run, I will continue to do my job for as long as I feel it is appropriate for me to do so”, she said.

Naomi Long is seen as the party’s best chance to oust the sitting East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson. However, she is committed to the job of justice minister and if she does challenge the DUP leader for the seat, it would be a personal sacrifice for the coup of the party removing a second DUP leader.

Mrs Long defeated then-DUP leader Peter Robinson in the constituency in 2010.

Robin Swann’s decision to stand down from the health ministry when an election is called came after sustained media scrutiny about whether it is possible to run a department whilst campaigning in a general election – despite the fact that every UK government minister, including the Prime Minister, will be in that position.

It is also standard practice when an Assembly election is called. Naomi Long believes that it is not an issue, but her position is now under intense scrutiny.

It is unclear whether Stormont ministers who are running for Westminster will be able to carry out their jobs fully during the election period – for reasons beyond the time consumed by campaigning.

It is customary for ministers generally to observe discretion in announcing initiatives that are “new or of a long-term character in their capacity as a minister” during a Westminster election. But it is not clear if there are any additional obligations on devolved ministers who are seeking election to the House of Commons – the Executive Office says it doesn’t have guidance on the issue.

Other ministers could also be running for Westminster this time round. Following the suspension of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson from the party, the DUP will have to find a replacement in the Lagan Valley constituency.

Deputy first minister Emma Little Pengelly and Education minister Paul Givan have been mentioned as potential candidates – as has the MLA Jonathan Buckley.

Sinn Fein has ruled out any of its ministers running for Westminster. The News Letter asked the party if it would commit to keeping its current ministerial team until the Westminster election – ie if SF will commit to not replacing ministers so that they can run in Westminster. Sinn Fein did not respond.

Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd had been the party’s candidate in the last Westminster general election – and has a high profile in the Upper Bann constituency.

Finance minister Caoimhe Archibald has also run previously in the East Londonderry constituency.