Alliance Party leader praises unity in North

Alliance Party leader David Ford has said the united response of politicians in the North to the recent security force deaths may pave the way for devolved policing and justice powers.

His comments come after the entire community rallied round in condemning the recent killings by dissident republicans of two soldiers at Massereene Barracks in Antrim and policeman Stephen Carroll in Craigavon.

Speaking at his party's annual conference today, Mr Ford said placing policing responsibilities in local hands is the keystone to constructing genuine political power-sharing and pledged Alliance would play a constructive role as discussions continued on the matter.

The Alliance Party has no members in government, but with the DUP refusing to accept a Sinn Féin policing minister, his party could be in pole position for the post.