Real power-sharing 'long way off'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6367797.stm

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Alliance leader David Ford has said it is difficult to see two parties who cannot speak to each other leading a government together on 26 March.

Mr Ford expects Alliance to add one or two seats to its present total of six.

He said that while Sinn Fein and the DUP are moving towards sharing power, there is a "long way to go" before there are real signs of partnership.

Mr Ford added if devolution was to work, power would have to be shared and not divided.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Ford said: "We do not just want an assembly. We want an assembly that will deliver solutions on water charges, waiting lists and personal care.

"Most of all, we will seek to return £1bn wasted every year on segregation to the people in the form of more resources for frontline services and a lower, fairer rates systyem."