Finding a way to accountable government: Long

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Sep 2004

Northern Ireland political talks statement.

Speaking this evening after meetings with the other parties and the British and Irish governments, Alliance Party Assembly member Cllr Naomi Long stated:

"Alliance has been expanding upon its compromise proposals made yesterday in order to bridge the gap that is separating us from a return to devolved government. On the crucial issue of accountability, we have been working to create a system that is fairer and more equitable than that previously proposed by the Government.

"If accountability is the key to unlocking progress on the other major matters of concern - paramilitary activity, decommissioning, devolution of policing and justice - then we will know soon enough if people are genuine about reaching a resolution, or whether it is being used as a delaying tactic.

"Accountability is not about putting elected representatives in ministerial straitjackets. Meaningful checks and balances are a democratic norm around the world. What we are currently doing, is trying to find a path between an effective veto on ministerial decisions and almost unfettered ministerial power.

"It is important that accountability does not become the new decommissioning, at a time when the public needs stable and sustainable democratic institutions to take their destiny back into their own hands, and out of the hands of remote control ministers from Westminster."