Former NI assembly member dies

The Alliance Party has paid tribute to its “ground-breaking” and “trailblazing” former assembly member Anna Lo, who has died at the age of 74.

Ms Lo was the first ethnic-minority politician elected to Stormont, and the first Chinese-born person to be elected to a legislative parliament in western Europe

Alliance leader Naomi Long described her as a “great friend” and paid tribute to her “dedication and passion for serving her constituents” in Belfast.

She added that Ms Lo had been brave in confronting the “appalling racism” she faced during her political career.

Born in Hong Kong, Anna Lo moved to Northern Ireland in 1974.

She became the director of the Chinese Welfare Association in Belfast in 1997.

A decade later she was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly, representing South Belfast for the Alliance Party.

She was re-elected in 2011 and served until her retirement in 2016.

In a statement, the Alliance Party confirmed that the 74-year-old died on Wednesday following an illness.

“Anna will forever be remembered as a ground-breaker in local politics,” said Ms Long.

“Her service to the Chinese community, to good relations and to the city of Belfast, much of which went unseen by most, was transformational,” she said.

She added that her friend had “a number of causes close to her heart, including protection of the environment and human rights, and was a strong voice on women’s rights and equality”.

Former Alliance leader David Ford also expressed his condolences and described Ms Lo as a “trailblazer in Northern Ireland politics”.

“I first met Anna in her previous career as a social worker, where she was known for the exemplary care she gave all her clients,” he said.

“On a professional level, she gave Alliance a massive boost when she made the party’s first Assembly gain, in South Belfast in 2007.”

He added: “I am sad to hear the news of her passing but her legacy as a trailblazer in Northern Ireland politics will live on.”

Lo served on several assembly scrutiny committees, including as chair of the environment committee.

She is survived by her sons Conall and Owen, two grandchildren and partner Robert.

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