Trevor Lunn: If Naomi Long stood aside as justice minister I would not step in and help to prop up a failing executive

My name has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

I want to clarify the situation, because a suggestion has been made that given my departure from the Alliance Party it would give me some satisfaction to replace my former party Leader. This is incorrect.

Naomi Long, along with Nichola Mallon and Robin Swann have been outstanding ministers in the current administration. Naomi is an excellent justice minister, as was David Ford, and is currently piloting important legislation through the assembly, committal proceedings and domestic abuse bills being examples, as well as taking on the issue of victims and survivors pensions.

Naomi made a difficult, but principled decision, to stay with the job for the greater good when the DUP invoked the blocking mechanism to stop Robin Swann’s motion to extend restrictions being passed, not once but twice last week.

This example of DUP arrogance may cost us dear, but it appears they think they have sufficient medical expertise to enable them to overrule expert advice from across the medical profession.

Medical advice from professionals who actually know what they are talking about.

If Robin Swann, as is being suggested, brings another extension of restrictions motion to the executive and it is again blocked, I have no doubt that some ministers may have to consider their positions.

If the minister of justice, given the utter frustration she expressed over the weekend, in terms of the decision itself and the fact of her vote not counting in a cross community vote, decided to step aside I would respect and support her decision. The reasons for such a move would apply equally to me, should I be considered as her replacement. So, I want to be clear, if Naomi stepped aside in those circumstances, I will not be prepared to step in and support an administration that is failing the people. I hope this will stop any uninformed speculation.

Trevor Lunn, Lagan Valley MLA, Lisburn

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