Derry City and Strabane Councillor Rachael Ferguson spoke of her pride in Alliance’s growth west of the Bann and the party’s commitment to building on the foothold they now have, reaffirming that Alliance is there to stay.

At the last round of council elections Cllr Philip McKinney and Cllr Rachael Ferguson became the first Alliance councillors elected in Derry-Londonderry since the 1980s.

“It’s such an exciting and historically significant time for the party,” said Cllr Ferguson.

“The opening of our first office west of the Bann is indicative of the momentum behind our movement right across Northern Ireland. It represents a rejection of the politics of division and a commitment from Alliance that we’re here to be voices for and work for the benefit of everyone from all communities.

“The iconic 'Hands Across the Divide' sculpture by Maurice Harron, which we have the privilege to be situated in the shadow of, couldn’t be a more perfect representation of the ethos of our party and what we aim to achieve both in the North West, and throughout NI.

“There is such a rich political history here in Foyle, and it’s with great pride that Alliance is cementing itself into that tapestry with the opening of this dedicated space. Now it’s time to go forward, build on that momentum, and create a lasting legacy for Alliance in the North West.”