It's a positive sign that Peter Robinson is back at work

11.12.00am GMT Thu 7th Jan 2010

Alliance Leader David Ford has said the fact that Peter Robinson is back at his desk is a positive sign for political progress in Northern Ireland. Mr Ford also said that Alliance fully recognises the difference between people's personal and political lives, and expects others to do the same.

David Ford said: "I welcome the fact that Peter Robinson is back at his desk to get on with the massively important job of securing the future of the Assembly. I look forward to working constructively with both Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness in the coming days to overcome the political difficulties that currently exist between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

"Alliance fully recognises the difference between personal and political lives, and we trust others will do the same.

"I welcome the commitment from Peter Robinson and others to working through the problems which currently exist within the political system here."