Letter: Alliance have come under attack from all sides, but they could respond by playing a lead role in making Stormont and Northern Ireland more efficient

Whether this is a coordinated campaign or simply opportunistic politics remains unclear, but Alliance needs to react.

Alliance’s strategy of explaining policy in detail has helped but, as the saying goes, “if you’re explaining, you’re losing.” After the party’s meteoric rise over the past few years, its opponents may sense vulnerability.

Some of the recent controversy includes Naomi Long’s comments on “innocent victims” within the broader legacy debate. Whether her words were misrepresented or not, perception often outweighs fact.

The Alliance leader may need to acknowledge that her phrasing could have been more careful, recognising the hurt felt by victims and survivors — even if it was unintentional.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has passed a motion of no confidence in the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), frustrated by being blamed for Lough Neagh’s pollution.

Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to attack DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, but many of those same parties have obstructed progress toward a broader solution.

Minister Muir should stick to his agenda and reassure farmers that they are partners, not the problem.

The tougher measures being considered should only be introduced once all the key stakeholders, including the Department for Infrastructure and Northern Ireland Water, commit to addressing their roles in the problem.

Other political attacks — particularly on the Department of Justice — suggest that local politics may be entering a harder phase or maybe just getting ready for the 2027 assembly elections.

In response, Alliance needs to build on its successes. There are new political dynamics caused by rising living costs, international market pressures, and the looming border poll.

Alliance should lead again and propose a more efficient devolution model — one that delivers better value for working families.

Stormont’s administration remains bloated and inefficient. Responsibilities such as employment, pensions, and higher education could be handed back to Westminster, while limited tax powers, like land fill tax and bands of income tax, should be devolved to Stormont.

At the same time, councils could gain greater control over regeneration, housing, and local transport. The Housing Executive could be abolished to save money, and Translink restructured as a not-for-profit company.

The Department for Infrastructure should be merged with the Department for the Economy to create a new Department for Prosperity – bringing transport, skills and enterprise together.

Ultimately, Stormont must evolve – focusing on oversight and legislation rather than bureaucracy. The Alliance Party could play a leading role in this transformation: ensuring that Stormont serves the people, not the other way around.

Brian Pope, Banbridge