Minority group candidate to stand

Anna Lo is to contest South Beflast for Alliance

The first person from an ethnic minority background to stand in the Northern Ireland assembly elections is set to announce her candidacy.

Anna Lo, who is the chief executive of the Chinese Welfare Association, has been selected to stand for the Alliance Party in south Belfast.

Ms Lo said there was a growing need for "a diversity of society in politics".

"I hope my example will encourage many others to consider engaging in electoral politics," she said.

'Determined'

"It is through the ballot box and the democratic process that real change can be delivered."

Ms Lo said she was determined "to be much more than a candidate for ethnic minorities".

"I want to represent all of the people of south Belfast, irrespective of their background," she said.

She added that she was delighted to have been selected by her party to contest south Belfast and she was "looking forward to the campaign".