Debate contribution: Anna Lo
Debate contribution by Mrs Sinéad Ennis on .
- MLA
- Mrs Sinéad Ennis
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 11 November 2024
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Assembly Business
- Heading
- Anna Lo
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4667006
Read the official Assembly record
Text
As Sinn Féin Chief Whip, it is my honour to say a few words on behalf of the party on the passing of Anna Lo. Anna Lo has been described as a trailblazer, a champion of equality and peace and a fearless campaigner who fought against discrimination her entire life.
I know, from speaking to colleagues who worked with her over many years in the Assembly, that she was certainly all those things and much more. As the first politician from a minority ethnic background to be elected to the Chamber, and, indeed, the first Chinese person to be elected to a legislative Parliament anywhere in western Europe, she broke new ground, but she also stood her ground. It is always difficult to be the first. There is no doubt that Anna faced appalling racism, misogyny and bigotry throughout her political career. However, she was never deterred from doing what she believed in. She never shied away from speaking her mind or doing what she believed was right. She may have been small in stature, but she always stood tall when it came to representing her constituents and defending the rights of those who needed her assistance. Of course, there were often political disagreements. Anna, although she was a straight talker, was always respectful and courteous in the cut and thrust of political discourse. Whether it was campaigning for equality or women's rights, or fighting discrimination and racism, there was much common ground on which Sinn Féin was proud to stand with her. She is a great loss to those ongoing campaigns. She is a great loss to the political process here. Most of all, she is an immeasurable loss to her partner, Robert, her sons, Conall and Owen, and her wider family and friends. Our thoughts are with you today. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I offer our sincerest condolences to you all.
314 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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