Since the deal, tribal parties talk of Shared Future - Only Alliance will deliver

10.15.53am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Mar 2007

Alliance Leader David Ford

Alliance Leader David Ford has said that since Monday's devolution deal, the DUP and Sinn Fein have talked of a shared future in government, but only Alliance has pledged and planned to do so. The only way to create a real shared future is to end segregation in Northern Ireland.

David Ford said: "The DUP and Sinn Fein have made much of their work towards a shared future since Monday's deal; however, there is nothing to suggest that they will act to end segregation.

"Ending segregation is the cornerstone of creating a shared future, and only Alliance has pledged and planned to end division in our society.

"A genuine shared future entails ending the duplication of services, like schools and leisure centres, in Northern Ireland. If the DUP and Sinn Fein are really serious about a shared future then they must get to grips with the reality of what it involves.

"We have consistently demanded an end to segregation since our party's formation and I am glad to see that the tribal parties are slowly trying to play catch-up. Two parties in Government together does not constitute a shared future for everyone in society."

ENDS