Reaction to Lancaster House talks

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Jun 2004

Speaking after the political talks at Lancaster House today, Alliance Party Leader David Ford MLA stated:

"The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach highlighted four areas that must be resolved in the September talks. Alliance also emphasised the need to build a united community, improving community relations and dealing with the concerns of victims.

"While the premiers were right to emphasise the need to tackle all outstanding issues urgently, there is a clear need for a major effort by the governments as well as the parties to use the summer to do their groundwork, so that when the real talks start in September the issues can be dealt with constructively and in an inclusive way.

"Alliance stands ready to play its part, and we hope that others will do the same and not prolong the pain of remote control government for any longer than necessary."