SDLP warned southern merger could lead to break-up

Northern Ireland’s nationalist SDLP could fragment if it merges with another political party in the Irish Republic, it was warned today.

Sinn Fein national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin claimed the SDLP was a ‘‘coalition’’ of people in Northern Ireland whose political allegiances would be split between Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fail, Opposition Fine Gael and Labour if they were living in the Irish Republic.

The Foyle Assemblyman, who today also called for a voting pact between nationalists during next year’s Assembly elections said: ‘‘The SDLP is in difficulties and I think some in their leadership recognise that.

‘‘I believe fragmentation is a very real possibility in the event of a merger as they are a collection of political activists who do not necessarily come from the same background or subscribe to the same economic and political analysis.’’

Mr McLaughlin made his claim after SDLP leader Mark Durkan appeared to suggest on Thursday that a merger could take place in the future between his party and another in the Irish Republic.

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister later clarified his position, claiming talk of mergers was ‘‘misplaced and untimely’’.

Mr Durkan stressed the SDLP wanted a united Ireland by consent and was ‘‘looking towards prospects of natural political realignment’’.

As a member of the Party of European Socialists, the SDLP’s natural ally would be the Irish Labour Party.

However, it is believed a considerable section of the party would have Fianna Fail allegiances and some Fine Gael.

Mr McLaughlin said the fact that some SDLP leaders were beginning to ‘‘moot a realignment in politics’’ was welcome.

‘‘I think there is a recognition there that Sinn Fein is an all-Ireland party,’’ he continued.

‘‘It is also a defensive response in anticipation of continuing electoral advances for our party and I suspect it is also an attempt in the wake of our successes in the 26 Counties to attract some media attention.’’

Sinn Fein increased its representation in the Dáil from one TD to five.

Buoyed by its success, Mr McLaughlin said Sinn Fein would be campaigning in next year’s Assembly election as the only party which represented people throughout the island.

Sinn Fein, he said, would also use its enhanced position in the Dail to press Bertie Ahern to ‘‘bring about a more open and honest debate’’ on a united Ireland by producing government proposals to unite the island.

The Sinn Fein chairman also suggested there should be a voting pact between nationalists in next year’s Assembly elections.

He claimed if votes were transferred among pro-united Ireland candidates under the Assembly Election’s PR system, nationalist representation at Stormont would be maximised.

‘‘What we are doing is giving the SDLP time to think about a pact with a year to go before the Assembly elections,’’ he said.

‘‘We are suggesting voters should give their support to pro-united Ireland candidates.’’

Last year Sinn Fein urged the SDLP to join them in an electoral pact during the Westminster elections in a bid to increase the number of nationalist MPs in the House of Commons.

However talks broke down.

Sinn Fein went on to overtake the SDLP in the number of House of Commons seats, capturing four seats to three.

It also edged in front of the SDLP for the first time in the battle for the popular vote in nationalism in both the Westminster and local government elections.