Alliance Assembly Member, Sean Neeson, has appealed to moderate political parties in Northern Ireland to regroup in strength, ahead of possible political negotiations next year.
Sean Neeson, MLA for East Antrim, said:
“It is already clear that the Government has embarked on a process of appeasing the political extremes in order to get a deal done. This is nothing new. It is the continuation of a political process that is entrenching tribalism and sectarianism here.
“Alliance is totally committed to the development of a shared future for all the people of Northern Ireland. This is why I am appealing to the leadership of the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP to join with Alliance, to ensure that a strong moderate political bloc is listened to by the British and Irish Governments.
“Such a political grouping would embrace nearly half of the membership of current Assembly members.
“Political confidence cannot be achieved by pandering to the political extremes of Sinn Fein and the DUP. An all-inclusive process is the only way to create an agreement that will bring about the necessary political stability, which is the hope of the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland.
“It is time for moderate to get their act together, and for the Governments to recognise the importance and size of the middle ground in Northern Ireland.”
ENDS