Former Alliance Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the publication by the Department of Justice of its review of sentencing policy in Northern Ireland. David Ford said: “Today’s publication has its origins in work done in the early days of the devolution of Justice. Both the Lord Chief Justice and officials in the Department have […]
Former Justice Minister David Ford has congratulated the staff at Maghaberry Prison and the leadership of the Northern Ireland Prison Service on recent progress at the prison which was reported in the latest inspection report from CJINI and HMIP. David Ford said: “I set up the Prison Review Team shortly after I became Minister and […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has congratulated PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris after he was appointed new Garda Commissioner. Mr Harris will take up the post in September, replacing Nóirín O’Sullivan and Acting Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin. Former Justice Minister Mr Ford welcomed the appointment. “Drew Harris has had a distinguished career in the RUC […]
Alliance’s David Ford has announced he is to retire as an MLA. Mr Ford will officially step down from the role on June 30, completing 20 years since he took his seat as MLA for South Antrim on July 1, 1998. His successor will be chosen by Alliance members in the constituency at a meeting […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has said the European Arrest Warrant is essential for north-south justice, after the EU warned the UK will be kicked out of the system following Brexit. EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier said the warrant would be removed from the UK, instead having a streamlined extradition process. “The European Arrest Warrant is […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed the Department of Justice establishing a working group to examine the education and training opportunities for separated prisoners in Maghaberry Prison. Mr Ford was speaking after the DOJ announced the review, which will engage with stakeholders over the summer and report in the autumn. It is part of the […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has said the values of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) remain the best way to move Northern Ireland forward. Mr Ford was speaking on the 20th anniversary of the GFA referendum, which saw over 71 per cent of voters in Northern Ireland back the yes campaign. “There is no doubt our […]
As Charlotte and Billy Caldwell set off from Castlederg to Westminster, Alliance MLA David Ford has given his support for the “Billy’s Bud” campaign to allow the prescription of medicinal cannabis oil. David Ford said: “I have met Charlotte and discussed the benefits that Billy gained when he had cannabis oil prescribed in the USA […]
Alliance representatives have called for the requirements of the agri-food sector to be central to a special deal for Northern Ireland in the event of Brexit. Speaking from the Balmoral Show, Party Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA and Agriculture spokesperson David Ford MLA said the sector was of central importance to the local economy, representing […]
South Antrim Alliance representatives has welcomed plans to halt plans for an Arc 21 Waste Incinerator at Mallusk. Recognising the efforts of local campaign group NoArc 21, David Ford MLA said the Court decision meant that there was an urgent need to clarify the ability of either the Secretary of State or the Civil Service […]