Commenting in advance of Monday’s meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee SDLP Senior Negotiator Seán Farren said:
“It is time for parties
to get real. In particular it is time for both Sinn Féin and the DUP to end the
process of insult and accusation that has characterised their contributions to
the committee since it commenced business a month ago.
“Further indulgence in such an approach will only widen gaps and convince no one that either party is serious about wanting political institutions restored.
“If both parties are serious about achieving devolution then they must start using the opportunities provided by the committee and the Assembly and work with others to create the conditions that will secure restoration.
“Key issues such as agreeing an economic regeneration package would provide an ideal opportunity to develop confidence between parties as well as demonstrating in a very practical way how devolution would benefit everyone.
“After all for more than two years all of the parties have been involved in roundtable discussions with the Business Alliance on options for an economic package and have agreed some its basic elements. It should now be possible to move on and agree more of the details and present the final package to the British and Irish governments.
“Unless we are prepared to be real and follow the time plan set out by both governments then it would be better to end now what would clearly be a pretence rather than wait until November.”