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NI Assembly: 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 in Northern Ireland. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
'Constructive opposition' | 'Constructive opposition' |
It followed Mr Eastwood saying he was "very disappointed" over the talks. | 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." | 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 | Analysis by BBC Ireland Correspondent Chris Buckler |
Stormont has just become a much more open political battleground. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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." | 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." |
In a statement, UUP Leader, Mike Nesbitt, said he was "delighted" that the SDLP had chosen to go into opposition. | |
He said: "I am confident it will lead to new beginnings and possibilities for devolved government. | |
"We have been heartened by the extraordinary level of support which we received since we made our decision last Thursday and I am sure the SDLP will receive similar praise and encouragement." |