SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
The Foyle MLA called on all parties to back his proposal to suspend the petition of concern and address issues of rights and equality on the floor of a reformed Assembly.
Talks have been convened for Tuesday, May 7, by the Irish and British governments in a bid to get the Stormont Executive back up and running.
A fresh impetus to restore devolution came in the wake of the barbaric murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry last month.
He said: “People have used the opportunity presented by the local government election to send a very clear message ahead of this week’s talks.
“The politics of division, deadlock and failure is finished.
“It’s time for parties to come back together and for politicians to get back to work.
“We have made a bold proposal to suspend the Petition of Concern for the lifetime of this Assembly and break the deadhand veto that has been used to abuse minority communities.
“Issues of rights and equality could then be addressed on the floor of a reformed Assembly.
“I have already had positive conversations with other party leaders and look forward to advancing the proposal during the talks.
“These talks must be short, focused and productive.
“We know the issues and we know the solutions.
“All parties must be prepared to compromise to restore government and deal with the crisis in our health service and in our schools,” added the SDLP leader.
