Alliance cannot nominate on Justice if moves are not made

2.57.00pm GMT Mon 7th Dec 2009

Alliance always does what is best for Northern Ireland and we will be constructive. We cannot however nominate a candidate for Justice Minister until a policy programme for the department is agreed and real and public progress on a new community relations strategy.

Alliance Leader David Ford has said that his party will not nominate a candidate for Justice Minister until there is agreement on a policy programme for the Department of Justice and genuine progress on community relations strategy. He has written to both the First and deputy First Ministers to inform them of this.

David Ford MLA said: "We cannot nominate a candidate for Minister until a policy programme for the new Department is agreed and there is real and public progress on a new community relations strategy.

"There must be an agreed policy programme so that the new Minister can deliver immediately. Policing and justice are far too important to have them becoming issues around which political games are played.

"Alliance always does what is best for Northern Ireland and we will be constructive. We cannot however nominate a candidate for Justice Minister until these two issues are dealt with.

"The DUP and Sinn Féin need to demonstrate they are serious about making devolved justice work. They must face the realities of what is needed to have effective government. These two matters are essential for Northern Ireland to ensure a stable, peaceful and shared future and an Executive that delivers for the people."