Alliance meets Prime Minister and Taoiseach

12.00.00am GMT Wed 17th Dec 2003

An Alliance delegation will meet the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach in Downing Street this afternoon.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Alliance Leader David Ford said:

"In the new situation brought about by the results of the Assembly election, the Review of the Agreement takes on an increased importance. It is vital that action is taken to allow stable Government to be re-established in Northern Ireland.

"An Alliance working party has nearly finalised the party's proposals for that Review. Alliance is committed to a system of Government in Northern Ireland that ensures openness and transparency and treats all citizens equally and fairly.

"The principles of the Agrement remain the only realistic way forward for Northern Ireland. However, we have seen many failings in the structures and in the way that they were operated over the last five years.

"The Review is already overdue. It needs to start as early as possible in January and to be conducted intensively.

"The two Governments have a duty to participate actively in the Review and recognise where there are problems to be addressed."