On the evening of October 8, 2025, a tense scene unfolded in East Belfast as approximately 40 protesters gathered outside the home of Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister, Naomi Long. For nearly 90 minutes, the crowd—some of whom wore masks and live-streamed the event on social media—stood outside the residence she shares with her husband, Alliance Party councillor Michael Long. By the end of the night, a police car was stationed outside their home, a silent but pointed reminder of the potential for escalation.
The protest, which began around 7pm and lasted until about 8:30pm, quickly drew condemnation from across Northern Ireland’s political spectrum. Naomi Long, who has spent a quarter-century in frontline politics, did not mince words about the incident. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), she said, “It isn’t engagement and it isn’t legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police.” She went on to describe the gathering as “bullying and intimidation,” adding, “It’s threatening and wholly unacceptable. It needs to stop.”
Her husband, Michael Long, echoed those concerns online, noting that the police presence was not just a precaution but a necessity. “A police car had to sit outside the house overnight in case of attack,” he wrote, highlighting the anxiety the demonstration had stirred not only for the couple but also for their community.
Political leaders from all major parties swiftly condemned the protest. First Minister Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Féin was among the first to respond, calling the incident “absolutely disgusting.” She stated, “Turning up at someone’s home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable.” Her words were echoed by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Leader Gavin Robinson, who posted, “The private homes of elected politicians should be firmly off limits. Whatever the reason for political protest, what happened last night at Naomi Long’s home should be roundly condemned.”
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) MLA Matthew O’Toole also weighed in, stating, “Showing up at someone’s family home is not a legitimate form of democratic activity. It is anti-democratic intimidation and must be called out and opposed vociferously.” Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Leader Mike Nesbitt offered a broader reflection on the nature of democracy itself: “We live in a democracy. In a democracy, you will see things you don’t like. You’ll hear things you don’t agree with. You’ll be upset by decisions politicians make. There are acceptable ways to express your opposition. Intimidation is not one of them. I hope the PSNI have gathered enough evidence to lead to prosecution.”
The Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots, also issued a statement condemning the event. “Whatever political differences there are in the Assembly, I know members across the House will be united in standing against such unacceptable behaviour and in solidarity with Naomi as a respected colleague and our Justice Minister,” he said. Poots, who has served in the Assembly since its establishment in 1998, reminded the public of the body’s founding principles: “The Assembly was established on the principle that the democratic process is the way in which we raise, discuss and deal with our differences as a community, not on the streets through violence, intimidation, threats and harassment.”
He continued, “Politicians will all uphold the right to peaceful protest and expect people to disagree with them and to hold them to account. However, every politician, whether elected to the Assembly or another forum, is entitled to a personal and family life and events such as last night well cross the line.”
For Naomi Long, the incident was a stark reminder of the personal risks that come with public service in Northern Ireland. “During my 25 years in frontline politics I have engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives, and have been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not,” she noted in her statement. But she drew a clear boundary between robust political debate and what she described as “bullying and intimidation.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) responded promptly, confirming their attendance at the scene and the launch of a formal investigation. “We have commenced an investigation,” the PSNI said in a statement released the following day. “An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage and consider if any potential offences were committed.”
This latest incident highlights a troubling trend in political life, not just in Northern Ireland but across many democracies: the blurring of lines between protest, activism, and personal intimidation. While protest is a fundamental right and a vital part of democratic discourse, the events outside Naomi Long’s home have prompted many to reflect on where that right ends and intimidation begins.
Historically, Northern Ireland has seen its share of political tension spill over into personal threats and violence—memories of the Troubles, with their deep scars, are never far from the surface. In recent years, however, there has been a concerted effort by political leaders and civil society to reinforce the norms of peaceful engagement and mutual respect, even amid profound disagreements. The Assembly, as Speaker Poots reminded the public, was founded on the idea that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, not confrontation at people’s doorsteps.
The protest’s use of masks and social media live-streaming has also raised concerns about the evolving nature of political demonstrations. While technology can democratize activism and amplify marginalized voices, it can also enable anonymity and escalate tensions. The overnight police presence outside the Longs’ home was a stark indicator of how quickly situations can escalate in the digital age.
For many observers, the cross-party condemnation of the protest offered a rare moment of unity in a frequently fractious political landscape. Leaders from Sinn Féin, the DUP, the SDLP, the UUP, and the Assembly itself all agreed: showing up at a politician’s home is beyond the pale. The message was clear—robust debate is welcome, but intimidation will not be tolerated.
As the PSNI review footage and gather evidence, questions remain about the motivations behind the protest and what, if any, legal consequences may follow. In the meantime, the incident has sparked broader conversations about the boundaries of protest, the responsibilities of political leaders and activists alike, and the ongoing need to safeguard both democratic freedoms and personal safety.
For Naomi Long and her family, the events of October 8 were an unwelcome intrusion. But for Northern Ireland, they offered a test of the community’s commitment to democracy, civility, and respect for those who serve in public life.
