Ford meets Prime Minister

4.38.00pm GMT Mon 5th Oct 2009

The constructive nature of today's meetings illustrates the need to continue multi-party talks to ensure progress towards putting the final vital piece of the devolution jigsaw in place.

Speaking after meeting with Gordon Brown, Alliance Leader David Ford said that agreement on a policy programme for the Justice Ministry is just as important as the budget.

David Ford said: "This was a productive meeting. Naomi Long and I emphasised the need for agreement on a programme for the Department of Justice before devolution. I believe that Gordon Brown can see the need for the Justice Ministry to be able to get to work the minute justice is devolved. No matter which party the future Minister comes from, they need an agreed policy programme to ensure they can deliver from the first day of their tenure.

"The constructive nature of today's meetings illustrates the need to continue multi-party talks to ensure progress towards putting the final vital piece of the devolution jigsaw in place."