SDLP hit out at SF 'motherhood and apple pie' manifesto

The SDLP have hit out at Sinn Féin's manifesto for the forthcoming Assembly Elections describing it as a “motherhood and apple pie” document.

Party spokesperson, Alban Maginness said yesterday's 'Agenda for Government' manifesto by the republican party contained "pipe dreams" which could not be taken seriously.

“The SDLP agrees with Sinn Féin's priorities on the peace process and, as the party that is 100% for the agreement, we are determined to stop all of those who oppose the agreement," the North Belfast Assembly candidate said.

"That is why we are targeting the DUP - yet Sinn Féin refuse to urge their supporters to transfer all their votes to the SDLP in the key battlegrounds.

"So, while Sinn Féin talk the pro-agreement talk, they lack commitment to pro-agreement action."

Mr Maginness also hit out at Sinn Féin's policing policy which he said had "nothing to offer".

"Sinn Féin talk about the police force they want, but what are they doing to get it?" he said. "SDLP members of the policing board are driving forward the ten year plan for policing change that flowed from Patten. We are delivering for nationalists while Sinn Féin talk.

"Already Sinn Féin are being left behind - the SDLP knows that people want firm action against crime and criminals - but Sinn Féin has nothing to offer."

However, both parties were criticised by DUP MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell who said nationalists were deluding themselves "if they think that they can keep the present structures of government in Northern Ireland".

"After the Assembly elections are over Nationalists and Republicans are going to have to face the choice between long term direct rule or an agreement that both unionists as well as nationalists can support," Mr Cambell said.

"It is exactly the same choice that will face unionists. That cross community support is a fundamental requirement for any agreement to succeed."

Mr Cambell said his party's goal of an agreement "which can be supported by both Nationalists as well as Unionists" was the only type of agreement which could survive in the long term.

(MB)