Government must not ride roughshod over parties: Long

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 3rd Aug 2005

East Belfast MLA Naomi Long has called for proper engagement between the UK Government and the political parties in the run up to talks on the restoration of devolution.

Cllr Long, who leads the party group on Belfast City Council, stated: "The history of Northern Ireland has shown that boycotts simply do not work. Now is the time for all parties to work together towards a deal on restoring the devolved institutions.

"However, the UK Government's recent actions, where they have proceeded with a series of measures with no consultation with any party except Sinn Féin, have illustrated a worrying tendency to ride roughshod over the views of the local political parties and the people they represent.

"We in Alliance will certainly participate in talks to ensure that the people we represent -- and the wider cause of inclusive, functioning democracy in Northern Ireland -- have a voice. The UK Government must ensure its actions do not hinder other parties doing the same."

ENDS