Ford says DUP and Sinn Fein should stop megaphone diplomacy

2.41.00pm GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

Alliance Leader David Ford has said that the DUP and Sinn Fein should get round the table and hammer out an agreement on devolution of justice, instead of arguing over the airwaves. His comments come after Gregory Campbell said justice devolution is years away and Sinn Fein Chair Declan Kearney accused the DUP of a 'train-wreck' strategy.

David Ford said: "This ridiculous megaphone diplomacy must end. Every time either party is on TV or radio they start another row in relation to the devolution of justice, dragging in all kinds of irrelevant issues.

"Going on TV in order to say something unhelpful plays right into the hands of those who want to see the Assembly brought down. The DUP and Sinn Fein need to realise that the devolution of justice is a vital part of political progress here, and should not use negotiations as a tribal power game.

"The parties must get around the table immediately, agree a way forward and agree a policy programme for the future Department."