ALLIANCE PARTY leader David Ford has said he is not in a position to recommend to members of his party to take the Justice Ministry.

An Alliance Party Council, to be held tonight, is expected to ratify that decision.

Mr Ford said that the negative DUP and Sinn Fein response to Alliance's proposals left the party leadership "with no choice but to not nominate a Minister."

"Alliance submitted a paper to the DUP and Sinn Fein on Tuesday outlining where we believed movement could be made and today they responded," said Mr Ford.

"It is clear we are not on the same page when it comes to seeking progress for our society and as such, I cannot recommend to Alliance Party Council this evening we take the Justice portfolio."

Ford said that a different approach is undoubtedly needed as there has "rightly been public frustration over the repeated failures of other parties in the Executive."

"Alliance does not want more stop-start politics but rather is concerned with taking Northern Ireland forward faster. We sought reassurances the DUP and Sinn Fein agreed with us on fundamental reforms to benefit our community. However, judging by their response, that is not the case."

"It is clear there is a problem for the DUP and Sinn Fein to resolve in terms of finding a Justice Minister but they have rejected our solution. It is now up to them to resolve the problem over the next six days."