Robinson Slams Sinn Féin 'Fear' Of SDLP

First Minister Peter Robinson has launched an attack on Sinn Féin, claiming the party’s "fear" of the SDLP often paralyses decisions in the Executive.

"Too often Alex Attwood's position one day is Sinn Féin's the next," he said.

"Time and time again the SDLP takes a stance that Sinn Féin lacks the courage to oppose.

"Or worse still, a fear of what the SDLP will say or do can often paralyse their ability to take decisions."

The First Minister made the comments as he was addressing the Blossomhill branch in West Tyrone on Tuesday night.

Peter Robinson has criticised the republican parties for voting against the recently-passed Welfare Reform Bill, accusing Sinn Féin them of avoiding difficult decisions.

He said the party lacked the courage to oppose the SDLP on welfare and pension reform and parades.

"This has been bad for community relations and bad for government.”

"The result is not increased electoral support for the SDLP, just further gridlock as the nationalist parties struggle to come to terms with reality."

Mr Robinson also accused Sinn Féin of chicanery after the party agreed to the Welfare Reform bill at the executive but then changed its position when it went to the assembly vote.

"Such chicanery may be par for the course in the Republic, where they languish in opposition, but it is not the behaviour of a party of government in Northern Ireland," he said.

(IT)