SDLP Shares 'Public Cynicism' Over Negotiations Between Two Main Parties

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said he shares the "deep public cynicism on whether the DUP and Sinn Féin are truly up for the challenge of forming a government".

He made the statement after Secretary of State Karen Bradley confirmed fresh talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland are to begin next week.

Leader Colum Eastwood said compromises supposedly made between the DUP and Sinn Féin must be shared and the negotiations must proceed on that basis.

He said: "The only consistency over the last 12 months has been political failure on the part of the DUP and Sinn Féin.

"That pattern of previous failure is why I have made it clear to both governments that these talks must be conducted completely differently – we cannot go on doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. That means no party which holds a mandate from the people of the North can be expected to act as window dressing for private negotiations between the DUP and Sinn Féin.

"Unlike in the past, inclusive talks must mean inclusive talks.

|In the wake of the announcement, the SDLP has also taken the initiative to speak with the UUP and the Alliance party. All of us agree that the progress and compromises supposedly made between the DUP and Sinn Féin must be shared and the negotiations must proceed on that basis.

"If the gaps are as narrow as we have been told, we are prepared to put all our effort into reaching a solution. The window of opportunity is tight – so let’s get down to work and let’s get on with it."

(CD)