Mr Ford, who is favourite to become Justice Minister once the powers are transferred, called for a "swift deal" and stressed that any deal must also address the "paralysis" in the Executive.

"Devolving policing and justice is not just about giving extra powers to local representatives, it's also about showing negative elements that devolution can work and giving the Executive the impetus to move forward on other important matters," the South Antrim MLA said.

"We need all party talks to deliver a government free from delays, and we hope that a wide range of issues can be resolved within negotiations.
"The DUP and Sinn Fein have a duty to the public to engage seriously as we cannot countenance the prospect of failure on their part.

"They must also change their approach from crisis management to collective government. The people of Northern Ireland will tolerate knee-jerk politics no more – they want normal, functioning government."

Party activists will this morning gather in the Dunadry Hotel outside Templepatrick, in the heart of Mr Ford's constituency, to reflect on a mixed year.

Twelve months ago the party's bright young hope Ian Parsley gave a rousing address to the conference, setting out his "positive" campaign for the European election, where he went on to win 5.5 percent of the vote — the party's second best result ever in a European election.

But the North Down councillor left the party in September, frustrated at its lack of influence and tempted by the Conservative Party's new engagement in the Province.

In the coming days the main party of opposition in the Assembly will have to make clear whether it is prepared to accept the Justice Ministry, thereby entering what has become a deeply popular Executive.

Meanwhile, Alliance has selected North Down MLA Stephen Farry to run for Westminster in the constituency, putting a dent in the theory that the party may stand aside to give sitting UUP MP Lady Hermon a free run if she stands as an independent.

While it is still possible that Alliance could withdraw its candidate, Mr Farry told the News Letter that the party was intent on standing in the constituency.

"We are not going through the motions — we intend to fight a serious campaign," he said.