Ford Welcomes Court Decision

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Dec 2001

Alliance Leader David Ford has welcomed today's Court decision to reject the DUP case against the election of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

David Ford said:

"The decision of the judge, and the terms in which he gave his judgment, will be welcomed by all those who wish to see stability and progress in Northern Ireland. It is clear that the Courts are unwilling to be dragged into party politics and are certainly unwilling to give succour to those who wish to bring down the Agreement for political reasons."

"The role of Alliance MLAs in helping to elect Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan is clearly vindicated."

ENDS