Commenting on Ian Parsley’s defection to the Conservative Party, Alliance Party Leader David Ford said:

“I am very disappointed at this news because I believe that Alliance remains the only party totally committed to a shared future in both word and deed.

“Whatever they may say about creating a shared future, UCUNF is still a sectarian group. There are huge contradictions between the delusions of some Conservatives that think they are anti-sectarian, and the 1950s-style bigotry still coming from Ulster Unionists elements. I fear Ian will find this contradiction more and more difficult to live with as time goes on.

“He has left a promising political career to stumble down a blind alley. It is sad to see an up and coming politician move to a marginal party with minimal prospects.”