David Ford said: “We have seen how government works in Northern Ireland when there is a tribal carve-up – It simply doesn’t. The only way to make devolution work for everyone is by tackling segregation in our society and by ending the tribal power-carve up in government. The DUP and Sinn Fein need to make the changes necessary to make government work.
“It’s about people from all backgrounds working together in our community and politicians from all backgrounds taking decisions together. The divide and rule mentality that we currently see in the Executive has not worked. The DUP and Sinn Fein created the problems that brought on this deadlock. They lack the leadership, maturity and vision to get themselves out of the mess they have created.
“Lessons need to be learned and changes made within Northern Ireland to create a united community. Segregation costs Northern Ireland £1 billion every year and ending division will allow us to spend this money on improving frontline services.
“What people want is answers on what the Assembly is going to do for them on issues like education, health, and public transport. That is why we want put the ‘shared future’ agenda at the forefront of the Assembly’s priority list, so that government can free-up the resources to deliver the services the public wants and deserves.”
ENDS