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Unity has to be harnessed: Ford Unity has to be harnessed: Ford
(about 4 hours later)
Unity shown by politicians in the aftermath of recent murders in Antrim and Craigavon must be harnessed to stop the dissident threat.Unity shown by politicians in the aftermath of recent murders in Antrim and Craigavon must be harnessed to stop the dissident threat.
This is according to Alliance leader David Ford, who has been speaking at his party's annual conference.This is according to Alliance leader David Ford, who has been speaking at his party's annual conference.
Mr Ford also told party activists that the devolution of justice remains the most divisive issue facing Stormont.Mr Ford also told party activists that the devolution of justice remains the most divisive issue facing Stormont.
The South Antrim MLA praised the words of fellow politicians, particularly Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson.The South Antrim MLA praised the words of fellow politicians, particularly Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson.
He said it was such unity which would "neuter the dissident threat".He said it was such unity which would "neuter the dissident threat".
"Last year during the time of the executive's five-month sulk, I said the people of Northern Ireland had passed a test of stability, but the politicians had not. Perhaps they have now," said Mr Ford."Last year during the time of the executive's five-month sulk, I said the people of Northern Ireland had passed a test of stability, but the politicians had not. Perhaps they have now," said Mr Ford.
"David Ford didn't elaborate on whether he or any of his party colleagues would become the justice minister," said BBC News' Stephen Walker, who is at the conference in Antrim. "David Ford didn't elaborate on whether he or any of his party colleagues would become the justice minister," said BBC News' Stephen Walker, who is at the conference in Templepatrick, County Antrim.
"Instead he said that whatever happens his party would, in his words, play a constructive role.""Instead he said that whatever happens his party would, in his words, play a constructive role."