SDLP accused of sending mixed messages on Assembly

The nationalist SDLP was accused today of sending out mixed messages on its attitude to the Northern Ireland Assembly, which reconvenes next week.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan indicated yesterday the party would initially take part in debates at Stormont despite reservations about the Assembly meeting ahead of devolution in Northern Ireland.

The former Stormont Deputy First Minister also said the SDLP would test British government attitudes to the Assembly and base its future participation on how Northern Ireland Office ministers responded to criticism of their policies by MLAs.

Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy, however, claimed the SDLP appeared to have a confused approach to the Assembly which his party views as an inferior model.

“Sinn Féin is absolutely clear on our approach to the Peter Hain Assembly,” the Newry and Armagh MP said.

“We will be there solely for the business of establishing a power-sharing government.

“Anything else is a waste of time and an attempt by powerless politicians to justify their salaries and allowances.”

He continued: “If Assembly members want to change British policy on water charges, increased rates, rural planning, education and health cuts, the only way to do this is to set up our own power-sharing Executive.

“The DUP, however, have given no commitment or signal that they will enter a power-sharing executive.

“I am therefore, concerned at the confusion and mixed messages coming from the SDLP. Having repeatedly said that they would not be involved in a talking shop they are now saying they will take part in pointless debates in a powerless Assembly.

“This can only encourage the DUP in their belief that they can achieve an Assembly which departs from the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

“The SDLP need to clear up the confusion and tell us if they are now willing to be part of a sham Assembly.”

Northern Ireland’s 108 Assembly members will gather next Monday for the first time since they were elected in November 2003.

However, the North will remain under Westminster’s direct rule reimposed in October 2002 when the last power sharing government was suspended.

A team of Northern Ireland Office ministers under Peter Hain currently run what were previously devolved government departments.

When they gather on Monday, Assembly members will spend the day registering as unionists, nationalists or other under Stormont’s voting system.

The following day, a delegation of business people are expected to address MLAs outside the debating chamber.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has proposed MLAs would go into the chamber after that meeting and debate what they had heard.

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell has also been invited to address the Assembly parties at Stormont outside the debating chamber on May 22, with MLAs then debating the benefits of devolution.

Sinn Féin, however, has been dismissive of the proposed agenda, with Gerry Adams yesterday insisting the party will not be part of any talking shop.

Mr Adams instead announced on Wednesday his intention to nominate DUP leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness as First and Deputy First Ministers at Stormont at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Paisley, however, rejected the West Belfast MP’s plan, insisting Mr Adams would not be able to do it.

Democratic Unionist MLA Jim Wells and Sinn Féin MLA Francie Molloy were yesterday named by Northern Ireland Peter Hain as Stormont’s two new deputy Speakers.

Mr Hain had already appointed former cross-community Alliance Party deputy leader Eileen Bell as Speaker.