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SDLP to go into opposition NI Assembly: SDLP to go into opposition
(35 minutes later)
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has announced that the party will go into opposition. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has announced that the party will go into opposition in Northern Ireland.
They are the second party to announce that they will not join the DUP and Sinn Féin in the Stormont executive.
Last week the UUP said they would do the same.
Earlier, the First and Deputy First Minister accused the SDLP of being "dishonest" during Stormont's programme for government negotiations.Earlier, the First and Deputy First Minister accused the SDLP of being "dishonest" during Stormont's programme for government negotiations.
It followed Colum Eastwood saying he was "very disappointed" over the talks. 'Constructive opposition'
The various parties have been meeting for talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. It followed Mr Eastwood saying he was "very disappointed" over the talks.
Making his announcement on Thursday, Mr Eastwood said: "It is clear that the DUP and Sinn Féin are determined to put forward a framework that includes no action, nothing that they can be held accountable for or to."
Analysis by BBC Ireland Correspondent Chris Buckler
Stormont has just become a much more open political battleground.
With the SDLP and the Ulster Unionists both choosing to go into opposition rather than government the assembly is a very different place.
Up to now, most rows have been within the family of the all-encompassing power-sharing government. Which is not to say that at times the disputes weren't bitter. Then again most in-fighting within families is.
But now there will be big parties openly heckling and challenging decisions from the outside.
That is a major change and some commentators will claim that it could lead to better politics and policy being more aggressively tested.
However, that all depends on getting the executive working again and the Alliance Party's decision to turn down the justice ministry is a problem.
The DUP and Sinn Fein need to find a mutually acceptable candidate to take up the politically sensitive post.
In Northern Ireland which politician takes responsibility for policing and prisons is important.
The fact that the first and deputy first ministers have had conversations with an independent MLA and the Green Party indicates they are looking at every option.
He said the SDLP would work with anyone who was happy to work with them but "this will be a positive and constructive opposition, not opposition for opposition's sake."