Naomi Long says Alliance east Belfast MP candidate 'not finalised'

Image source, Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Image caption, There has been speculation Naomi Long would seek to regain the east Belfast seat
  • Author, Jayne McCormack
  • Role, 91热爆 News NI political correspondent

Justice Minister Naomi Long says she has not yet reached a conclusion about running in the upcoming general election.

There has been speculation she would seek to regain the Belfast East seat.

She held it for Alliance from 2010 until 2015.

It is currently held by interim DUP leader Gavin Robinson, but Mrs Long narrowed his majority to fewer than 2,000 votes in the 2019 general election.

She was asked about her plans after a decision by Robin Swann to stand down as health minister once the Westminster campaign begins.

He has already been announced as the Ulster Unionist party (UUP) candidate for Westminster in South Antrim.

He told the 91热爆's Sunday Politics that once the election was called and the election period begins, he would give up his seat at the Stormont Executive.

On Monday Mrs Long said Mr Swann's decision "put no pressure" on her whatsoever and that discussions about who would be Alliance's candidate for east Belfast were "not finalised" yet.

"We will make the decision on the basis of what's right for us, and not in the wake of decisions by the UUP or Robin Swann," she said.

"I have reached no conclusion as to whether I want to run in east Belfast at this point in time... that's still under consideration."

The Alliance leader previously said she was "fully focused" on her job as justice minister and would not be distracted by the possibility of standing in the general election this year.