SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that selfish political interests rather than intractable political disagreements remain the major block on achieving the restoration of a local government in Northern Ireland. Mr Eastwood said: “I am conscious that the public are weary of talk about political deadlines and milestones. However, it is right that people know that this latest phase of talks represents the last opportunity before power is fully and freely handed to the British Government in London – a government propped up by the DUP.
“We already know that the DUP and Sinn Féin have significantly compromised on their public positions and yet they still haven’t done the deal.
“People deserve to know that the delay in doing a deal isn’t because the divisions are insurmountable – it is instead because some in those parties have judged that the return of local government doesn’t serve their own interests.
“Those selfish party interests are easily identifiable – the centre of power in the DUP has moved to their MPs in Westminster and Sinn Féin has always been more comfortable protesting than governing.
“For over a year now the interests of the people in the Northern Ireland haven’t featured in their considerations.
“The only hope for these current talks will only come if those party self-interests are replaced by our collective responsibility to pursue the common good.
“After a year without a local government, I know there are plenty offering the commentary just to give up on the very idea of devolution in Northern Ireland.
“Those running to write the obituary of the Good Friday Agreement fail to say though what will come in its place.
“They also fail to acknowledge that devolution is what the people of Ireland, north and south, voted for. Its survival must not be in the gift of the DUP and Sinn Féin – that choice can only ever be made by the Irish people.
“Those eager to write that obituary need to take a step back and reflect. Not alone do we have a mandate from the people to get our institutions back up and running, we also know it’s the only structure that can gain the broad support of this community.
“A power-sharing government in this corner of Ireland is a solution that was very hard won and it remains the only solution that has ever worked here.
“It is that solution and that progress which is at stake over the next number of weeks.,” added the SDLP leader/
