THE SDLP says it had a frank discussion with the Secretary of State James Brokenshire on the need for “meaningful engagement” to resolve the political impasse.
The talks resumed after three months with the major stumbling block being Sinn Fein’s demand for an Irish Language Act or the Executive will not be reformed.
Speaking after meeting James Brokenshire, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood called for full disclosure from all political parties on their positions in the talks process.
He said “people deserve to know exactly what they are paying the price for” and has committed to publishing the SDLP’s positions this week.
The Foyle MLA said: ““After a summer of little to no progress in the talks process and the emergence almost daily of budget black holes, the public will be rightly losing hope.
“With healthcare professionals, education providers and the community sector crying out for support, all political leaders have a responsibility to find a way forward.
“The SDLP is up for that job, we are committed to the restoration of power-sharing.
“We know that without a government it is impossible to make the lives of citizens here better, without the institutions we cannot end the crisis in our public sector.
“Today the SDLP made clear to the Secretary of State that we remain of the view that a deal is still doable – but only if the political will exists do one. We are clear that any return to a formal talks process requires meaningful engagement on all issues and with all parties if we are to break the deadlock.
“While we are not blind to the challenges facing parties in the talks, we know that these issues are not insurmountable. But it’s time all of us, politicians, civic society and the public called time on smoke and mirror politics.
“Patients, elderly people needing care packages, school children and many others are paying the price for political failure, they deserve to know why.
“They deserve to know exactly what the critical issues are in terms of an Executive being formed and where each party stands on it.
“In an effort to be constructive we will be publishing this week our positions in the talks process and we are calling on all political parties to do the same.
“The politics of shifting goal posts, hiding behind slogans and soundbites can no longer be allowed. After months of private talks we are still here, still at stalemate.
“The public deserves to know why,” added Mr Eastwood.
