SDLP rules out election pact with Sinn Féin

The SDLP today rejected overtures from Sinn Féin to form a nationalist electoral pact in marginal constituencies in the North.

Sinn Féin's offer to their rivals comes after a similar deal was struck between the UUP and DUP in one close seat and amid rumours of another UUP/DUP agreement in another.

The two unionist parties have agreed to step aside in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in favour of an independent pro-union candidate, while speculation persists that a similar accommodation could be reached in South Belfast.

In response, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams wrote to SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie suggesting an alliance on the nationalist side.

But Ms Ritchie rejected the proposal outright, pointing out that both her party and Sinn Féin had criticised the unionist pact as a “sectarian headcount”.

“I was disappointed to receive such an approach given the fact that both of our parties have roundly condemned as sectarian and tribal the recent unionist electoral pact in this election,” she wrote to Mr Adams.

“It is my strong view that this election must be about a positive future, about fulfilling the hopes of our people and shaping politics to deliver on the needs of the community.

“The actions of all parties should be judged against these standards. In doing so, no one should cling to the failed politics of the past.”

In his letter, Mr Adams called for discussions with Ms Ritchie to ensure that “unionism does not increase its share of Westminster seats through the potential loss of seats by our parties”.

While he did not mention constituency names directly, it was clear Mr Adams had Fermanagh and South Tyrone and South Belfast in mind.

In the border seat, incumbent Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew now faces unionist unity candidate Rodney Connor, while in the city sitting SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell could yet be challenged by a single unionist if the DUP and UUP strike another deal.

Tonight, a Sinn Féin spokesman criticised the SDLP leader for not considering the proposal.

“The SDLP refused to even meet for discussions,” he said. “Nationalists generally, but especially in these constituencies, will be dismayed and angry that the SDLP refused to even talk about this.”

In outlining her opposition to the suggestion, Ms Ritchie also criticised the Sinn Féin policy of not taking its seats in Westminster.

“Nationalists are predominant in areas of greatest multiple deprivation, including constituencies where Sinn Féin hold Westminster seats,” she said.

“At a time when we are facing cutbacks and the possibility of a hung or tight Parliament, it is even more crucial that our communities are represented fully. Abstentionism works to the disadvantage of people in need.”

The UUP/DUP deal in Fermanagh South Tyrone heaped more pressure on the already troubled electoral alliance the Ulster Unionists have with the Conservative Party.

Their decision to step aside torpedoed Conservative leader David Cameron’s pre-election pledge that a joint Tory/Unionist candidate would stand in all 18 constituencies in the North.