Naomi Long said: “I want to congratulate David on his appointment and want to wish him well in all the challenges that will await him in his role. The full package of devolution is now in place and this step we have taking together in the Assembly is a step away from the dark days of the past and moves us towards a better future for everyone.
“Last night’s dissident attack illustrated clearly why we need a positive and courageous figure as Justice Minister and I believe that there is no better person for this very difficult job that David. I would hope all parties will unite to tackle the dissident threat and in doing so fully support David’s work as Justice Minister.
“Today we again demonstrated that politics can work and that is the clearest message we can send out to say that no violence will deflect us from moving forward to a shared future.
“This new era will be about delivering a faster justice process that responds better to the needs of everyone. We will also be providing more protection and support for victims and witnesses through introducing a victims’ code of practice.”
ENDS