Ford hits out on prisoner issue

Alliance leader David Ford is concerned over "on the run" legislation

Government ministers have "gone into hiding" over the issue of "on the run" prisoners, Alliance Party leader David Ford has said.

Mr Ford was referring to government plans to introduce legislation to deal with people suspected of terrorism who have not been brought to court.

He said the ministers knew that what they were doing was "morally bankrupt".

Mr Ford said he turned down a meeting with Justice Minister David Hanson because he would not discuss the issue.

'Acceptable'

"I think ministers are now on the run from politicians on this issue because they know it's perverse, they know it's morally bankrupt," he said.

"They are not prepared to engage in discussions as to how to make it acceptable to ordinary people in Northern Ireland, but I'm not worried about that."

Mr Ford said he would continue to discuss the issue with parliamentarians at Westminster so that when the legislation did come forward, "we make it acceptable to the people of Northern Ireland".