SDLP against ‘shadow’ assembly

SDLP leader Mark Durkan yesterday called on the Irish and British governments to set a definite date for the full restoration of the Northern institutions.

He also reiterated his party’s opposition to the Northern Assembly returning in “shadow mode”.

In that scenario, sittings of the Assembly would resume, but the Executive and the offices of First Minister and Deputy First Minister would not be re-established until agreement was reached between the governments, the DUP and Sinn Féin.