Alliance Leader says Executive crisis is deepening

12.00.00pm GMT Fri 19th Oct 2007

Alliance Leader David Ford has stated that the crisis within the Executive is deepening with news that the termination notice for the conflict transformation funding has not yet been issued. This revelation follows yesterday's Executive meeting which ended in fiasco, with disagreement over the previous meeting's minutes.

Opposition Leader David Ford said: "This news throws the Executive into further crisis.

"I am amazed that the termination notice for the conflict transformation funding has not yet been issued. It's simply unbelievable that Sinn Fein and the DUP are not listening to the general public on this.

"This difficulty appears to have risen from the smokescreen created by Peter Robinson. It is bizarre that Ministers who did not want to discuss this matter in June are now having second thoughts and clouding the issue. This decision was rightly and properly taken by Margaret Ritchie and it must be allowed to stand.

"This matter continues to have huge ramifications for the operation of the Executive as a whole. It raises major doubts as to how the system of government can function. It also appears that the crisis in the Executive could worsen before the situation improves.

"In the face of all these differences it's hard to see how the Executive can present a united and coherent Programme for Government next week. If they cannot resolve issues like this, they will have little to do but implement the plans of Direct Rule Ministers. The people have a right to expect better from devolution."