Naomi Long Biography: Age, Height, Career, Husband, Net Worth, Children

Naomi Long Biography – Naomi Rachel Long, an influential figure in Northern Irish politics, held the position of Minister of Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive from January 2020 to October 2022. With a leadership role in the Alliance Party since 2016 and a seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly representing Belfast East since 2020, she has been a prominent force in the region’s political landscape.

Wiki

Name:	Naomi Rachel Long
Age:	51 years
Husband:	Michael Long
Date of Birth:	December 13, 1971
Nationality:	Irish
Net Worth:	$5 million

Naomi Long Biography

Naomi Rachel Long, a prominent figure in Northern Irish politics, has demonstrated a remarkable and varied career that spans local and national government. Born on December 13, 1971, in east Belfast, Long’s journey is a testament to her commitment to public service.

Naomi Long Age

How old is Naomi Long? Naomi Long is 51 years old. She was born in Belfast, United Kingdom on December 13, 1971.

Naomi Long Height

How tall is Naomi Long? Naomi Long has a height of 5 feet 7 inches.

Naomi Long Parents

Who are the parents of Naomi Long? Naomi Long was born to Emily Johnston and James Johnston.

Naomi Long Siblings

There is no information about the siblings of Naomi Long.

Naomi Long Career

Long’s academic journey began at Mersey Street Primary and Bloomfield Collegiate School. Her quest for knowledge led her to Queen’s University of Belfast, where she earned a degree in civil engineering in 1994. She gained practical experience in the field, working with a structural engineering consultancy for two years. Following this, she embarked on a research and training role at Queen’s University, contributing her expertise for three years. Later, she re-entered the field of environmental and hydraulic engineering consultancy for four years, further enhancing her professional background.

Long’s entry into the realm of politics came in 2001 when she was elected to Belfast City Council, representing the Victoria ward. Her dedication and effectiveness in local governance were quickly evident, setting the stage for her subsequent political ascent.

In 2003, Naomi Long was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly for Belfast East, succeeding her fellow Alliance Party member, John Alderdice. Her capabilities did not go unnoticed, and in 2006, she assumed the role of deputy leader within her party. The subsequent year saw her more than double the party’s vote share in the constituency, securing second place, even ahead of the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. This remarkable achievement reflected her growing influence and popularity.

The year 2009 marked a significant milestone in Long’s career as she was elected as the Lord Mayor of Belfast. Her victory was notable as she became the second woman to hold this esteemed position, following in the footsteps of Grace Bannister in 1981-82.

In a pivotal moment for her political career, Naomi Long triumphed in the 2010 general election by defeating Peter Robinson, the First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), to become the Member of Parliament (MP) for Belfast East in the House of Commons. This victory had historic significance, making her the first MP elected to Westminster for the Alliance Party and the first Liberal-affiliated MP elected to Westminster in Northern Ireland since 1914.

During her tenure as an MP, Long remained steadfast in her commitment to her party’s principles, refusing to sit with the coalition government or take the coalition whip. Her political dedication was unyielding, despite the close relationship between the Alliance Party and the Liberal Democrats.

The period in office was not without its challenges. On December 10, 2012, Long received a series of death threats, and an unsettling incident unfolded when a petrol bomb was thrown inside an unmarked police car guarding her constituency office. These acts of violence were reactions by Ulster loyalists to the Alliance Party’s decision to restrict the flying of the Union flag at Belfast City Hall to designated days throughout the year. These designated days amounted to 18 specific days at that time.

However, Long’s resilience and unwavering commitment to public service remained intact. In 2015, she lost her seat in the Commons to Gavin Robinson of the DUP. This loss was a consequence of a five-party unionist pact in the constituency, where the Ulster Unionist Party, UK Independence Party, Traditional Unionist Voice, and Progressive Unionist Party all stood aside in favor of Robinson.

The year 2016 marked a significant return to the Northern Ireland Assembly for Long, as she announced her candidacy in the 2016 elections, effectively replacing incumbent Judith Cochrane. This decision proved to be astute, as she was elected on the first count with 14.7% of first-preference votes.

Naomi Long’s return to the Assembly led to her involvement in key committees, including the Committee for Communities, the All Party Group on Fairtrade, the All Party Group for Housing, and her role as chair of the All Party Group on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Her multidimensional involvement highlighted her commitment to various areas of public policy and governance.

In August 2016, Long called for Sinn Féin’s Máirtín Ó Muilleoir to stand aside as Minister of Finance during an investigation into the Stormont Finance Committee’s handling of its Nama inquiry, as Ó Muilleoir was a committee member. This move showcased her dedication to transparency and accountability in government.

In November 2016, Long vocalized her concern about Sinn Féin and the DUP delaying the publication of a working group report on abortion. The report recommended legislative changes regarding cases of fatal foetal abnormality, underlining her commitment to pressing social and healthcare issues.

The year 2016 also marked another significant milestone in Long’s political journey. On October 26, she was elected as the leader of the Alliance Party unopposed, following the resignation of David Ford. Under her leadership, the Alliance Party articulated its legislative priorities, including strengthening equality and anti-discrimination measures, introducing civil marriage equality, advancing integrated education, and addressing climate change in Northern Ireland. These priorities reflected her vision for a united, open, liberal, and progressive society.

In the 2017 Assembly election, Long emerged as the top candidate in Belfast East, securing 18.9% of first-preference votes. The election signaled a triumph for the Alliance Party, as the party increased its vote share and retained all its seats in a smaller Assembly. This outcome positioned the Alliance Party as a pivotal force in Stormont’s political landscape.

In the 2019 local elections, the Alliance Party saw a remarkable 65% increase in its representation on councils. Long described this outcome as an “incredible result,” marking a turning point in Northern Ireland’s politics.

Naomi Long achieved another historic milestone when she was elected to the European Parliament as a representative for Northern Ireland in May 2019, securing 18.5% of first-preference votes. This victory marked the best-ever result for the Alliance Party. Her service in the European Parliament contributed to her distinction as the first Northern Ireland politician to have served at every level of government.

On January 11, 2020, following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly after three years of stalemate, Long assumed the role of Minister of Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive. In her capacity as Minister of Justice, she prioritized legislation addressing domestic abuse and coercive control as a criminal offense in Northern Ireland. Her tenure also saw the commissioning of a review into the support available for prison officers and the announcement of her intention to introduce unexplained wealth orders to target paramilitary and criminal finances.

In November 2020, Long expressed serious concerns about her position within the Executive due to the DUP’s use of a cross-community vote to prevent an extension of COVID-19 regulations. She emphasized the need for responsible use of power to maintain her position within the Executive.

Beyond her political career, Naomi Long is a member of Bloomfield Presbyterian Church. Her commitment to the church was challenged when it decided to exclude those in same-sex relationships from full membership, leading her to express “great concern” about her continued affiliation.

Long is married to Michael Long, an Alliance councillor on Belfast City Council and a former Lord Mayor of Belfast. Notably, they are the first husband and wife to both have served as Lord Mayors of Belfast.

In August 2017, Long revealed her battle with endometriosis, a medical condition, and her plan to undergo surgery to address it. Her openness about her health struggles highlighted her commitment to transparency and her advocacy for healthcare issues.

Naomi Long’s electoral history showcases her resilience and unwavering commitment to public service. Her journey is a testament to her dedication to making a difference in Northern Ireland, serving at all levels of government and addressing various key issues affecting her constituents and the broader community.

Naomi Long Husband

Is Naomi Long married? Yes, Michael Long. Michael is an Alliance councillor on Belfast City Council and former Lord Mayor of Belfast. They married in 1995.

Naomi Long Children

Does Naomi Long have any children? No, Naomi Long has no children.

Naomi Long Illness

In August 2017, Long disclosed that she was grappling with endometriosis and was scheduled for surgery to address the condition.

Naomi Long Net Worth

Naomi Long has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

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