Ford and Lib Dem NI Spokesperson meet to discuss boosting tourism

12.00.00pm GMT Wed 6th Feb 2008

Alliance Leader David Ford and Liberal Democrat Northern Ireland Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP have met to discuss strengthening tourism and transport links between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Alistair Carmichael is MP for Orkney and Shetland, and was visiting Northern Ireland for two days. He and David Ford visited Ballycastle to discuss tourism developments with Moyle Council and to promote the reinstatement of the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry.

David Ford said: "Tourism and transport links are a priority for both of us. We want to see a strengthening of both the social and infrastructural links between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

"In particular we will be discussing ways of increasing the prospect of reinstating the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry.

"We want to explore the best way to improve transport links and thereby increase tourism between Northern Ireland and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland."

"Alistair Carmichael represents Orkney and Shetland, but is from Islay, just a dozen miles north of Rathlin Island. He has a particular interest in the social and economic development of the smaller islands. His Deputy, Alan Reid MP, represents Argyll and has pushed at the Scottish end for the restoration of the Campbeltown-Ballycastle link. I will work with them to benefit Antrim, Argyll and the islands."