Anna Lo MLA to run as Alliance candidate in Euro elections

SOUTH Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has been chosen by the party to run as its candidate in the European election.

She was elected last night by the party’s ruling council to stand for election on May 22.

The Alliance Party has borne the brunt of unionist and loyalist anger over the Belfast City Council decision to only fly the Union flag on designated days above the City Hall.

At the last European election in 2010, the party polled only 5.5% of the vote.

Ms Lo will face Alex Attwood of the SDLP, and current MEPs Diane Dodds (DUP), Sinn Fein’s Martina Anderson and the UUP’s Jim Nicholson in the battle for one of the three seats.

Following her selection, Alliance leader and Justice Minister David Ford said: “She is one the most progressive voices in the Assembly.

“Northern Ireland will be a better place by having Anna Lo represent us in Europe.”