Speaking ahead of the first meeting of the Assembly, Dr Farren stated:
“The
SDLP wanted the two Governments to go further than they have with this proposal
for a shadow Assembly.
“We want the full restoration of the Agreement – not just this shadow Assembly agreed by SF and the DUP in the Comprehensive Agreement.
“But we will work this Assembly constructively to try to get suspension ended and an Executive formed. After all, if politicians cannot work together, what hope is there of holding our society together?
“When it comes to debates on issues like health and water charges, we will test the Secretary of State. We will hold him to that.