No ambiguity over voting for Alliance

I WAS confused by the article (Comment, September 30) in which Claire Hanna appeared to be trying to distance herself from the SDLP, even though she wishes to stand for election as the SDLP candidate.

The SDLP is a party with a policy link to Fianna Fail, but which would also, on past form, be taking the whip of Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party, with its uncertain Brexit policy.

This is quite a confusion and it is easy to see why someone would wish to distance themselves from it.

But, then, why stand as the SDLP candidate? If it turns out another party might represent your views better why not join it? That is, after all, why so many people are coming to Alliance.

As we saw in May, we are the party which is really winning new support from right across the community.

This is partly because Alliance representatives offer the most dedicated constituency service on issues around jobs, health and education which matter most to people.

It is also partly because unionists, nationalists and others can all vote Alliance to represent them as the clearly socially progressive, inclusive, anti-Brexit voice.

The Alliance surge came about because people realised if you vote Alliance, you get Alliance.

That is why we have far more elected representatives in south Belfast than any other pro-Remain party and why, at any forthcoming election, we will be bestplaced to provide a united community, Remain voice at Westminster.

CLLR SORCHA EASTWOOD (ALLIANCE)

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council