SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said it would be deeply reckless if the efforts to avert Direct Rule and restore devolution were placed on hold because of the upcoming party conferences of the DUP and Sinn Féin.
The Foyle MLA said:
“Since the failure of the talks last Wednesday, confusion has reigned on whether a talks process is still in place between the DUP and Sinn Féin.
“Weeks ago the British Secretary of State talked about a glide path however it is clear for all to see that this process is not gliding, it is drifting aimlessly. The only certainty is that we are hurtling towards London Direct Rule served up by a Tory/DUP Government.
“As co-guarantors, it is now the role of the two governments to grab hold of these talks and give everyone certainty. They need to map out a timetable and an inclusive process between now and Christmas. Everyone is agreed that if Direct Rule continues into the New Year, it will be very difficult to return devolution in the short to medium term.
“It would be deeply reckless to allow the schedules of the DUP and Sinn Féin party conferences to delay that effort. Appeasing these parties further by providing them with time and space to speak to their own party bases could end up setting this process back rather than moving it forward.
“The confusion in both parties is now airing in public. One minute John O’Dowd says on the TV that there can be no compromises, contradicting Conor Murphy’s position when he said that that every negotiation involves ‘give and take’.
“Likewise in the DUP, Nigel Dodds can’t hide his enthusiasm for the imposition of Direct Rule ministers within weeks whilst Arlene Foster says there is still hope for a deal.
“Left to themselves and left to their own contradictions, neither of these two parties are capable of delivering anything,” added Mr Eastwood.
