UUP criticised for boycotting inter-governmental meet

The SDLP has criticised the Ulster Unionist Party for refusing to meet with a British-Irish inter-governmental delegation today to discuss the current problems in the peace process.

Sean Farren of the SDLP, the finance minister in the suspended Northern Executive, accused the UUP of excluding themselves from efforts to resolve the political crisis.

"It was unfortunate that David Trimble chose not to meet with the group," Mr Farren said.

"The SDLP have stressed the importance of all parties working together to move forward from this crisis. It is not helpful when some parties choose to exclude themselves from this process."