Statement by David Ford, then Leader of the APNI, Belfast, (8 December 2004)

Statement by David Ford, then leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland (APNI), Belfast, (8 December 2004)

"Today is a deeply disappointing day in many ways. We have seen a lack of willingness for the DUP and Sinn Fein to move forward together, due to a lack of confidence in each other’s bona fides.

But the fact remains that agreement was reached by the parties and governments on the structures for a restored government for Northern Ireland.

I warmly welcome this progress, in which Alliance played a major role by putting forward compromises that were largely acceptable to and accepted by both Sinn Fein and the DUP, and by the Government.

However, the Governments cannot now move the process forward without addressing at the same time the deep divisions and ingrained patterns of segregation that contribute to the deadlock.

These proposals are only a basis for restoring the Assembly, but much deeper change is needed to place it on a stable and equitable basis."