North Antrim MLA Seán Farren who will be a member of the SDLP’s team of three at the committee established by Secretary of State to prepare for devolution said:
“This committee must quickly show that it is for real. No party must be allowed to use delaying or disruptive tactics and the DUP’s threat not to allow it negotiate any substantial business must be challenged.
“The only way to create confidence and build trust between the parties is if they begin to seriously engage with each other. The two governments must allow separate negotiations to take place between themselves and other parties. This has undermined negotiations in the past and, if allowed, will do so again.
“The public is tired of delay and excuses. It’s now time to show that we can work together. We should begin by using this committee in the most positive way possible.
“The SDLP will be honest with the public and if we detect any attempts at delay or disruption we shall expose it. This is our last chance to get things moving. Failure to do so will remove the prospect of devolution for many years to come, perhaps forever.”