Alliance would not stand in Deeny's way in West Tyrone

12.00.00am GMT Thu 24th Mar 2005

ALLIANCE Leader David Ford MLA has said his party would not stand in the way of West Tyrone Westminster candidate Dr Kieran Deeny.

Speaking after a report that the SDLP was considering standing aside to allow Dr Deeny the best possible opportunity to win the seat from sitting MP Pat Doherty, Mr Ford stated:

"It is clear that the only candidate who can beat the sitting Sinn Fein MP is Dr Kieran Deeny.

"Dr Deeny has shown that he is able and willing to work on behalf of every section of the community. If the SDLP is prepared to stand aside for the greater good, that is very welcome. Alliance would not stand in Dr Deeny's way either.

"The onus is also on the two unionist parties; will they also stand aside, or do they want Sinn Fein to hold the seat?

"This is not a matter of Omagh versus Enniskillen on the hospital issue. It is a single issue of democrats co-operating against an absentee MP."