SDLP Vindicated on DUP’s Bad Government Agenda

The two Governments have woken up to the dangers of the DUP’s bad government agenda, SDLP Senior Negotiator Sean Farren has stated.

 Speaking following a meeting with NIO ministers, Mr Farren said:

 “Ten days ago, the British Government produced draft legislation at the behest of the DUP.  It was designed to implement the failed DUP/SF Comprehensive Agreement of 2004.

 “Ten days on the penny has dropped with the Governments and many of the other parties that this legislation – and the failed Comprehensive Agreement -will invite bad government and worse politics.  Now at last the SDLP has won a serious rethink.

 “We didn’t just win the argument on defending inclusion at St Andrews.  Increasingly, we are also winning on ensuring good government – not DUP gridlock.

 “This is yet another vindication for the SDLP.  For two years we alone argued that the Comprehensive Agreement was not just bad, it was mad.  Now people are waking up to the fact that we were right.

 “The fact is that if the DUP had its way,

· Ministers would be unable to act quickly to protect the public from danger or disease – like a global flu outbreak or Foot and Mouth.  

· Government would be at the mercy of lobby groups; and Ministers would waste time endlessly suing each other in the courts, wasting fortunes in taxpayer’s money.

 “The SDLP wants collectivity.  We want accountability.  We want better government.  But what the DUP wants delivers none of that.  Indeed, some of what they want is so crazy that you might be forgiven for thinking that DUP stands for Daft Unworkable Proposals.”

 “The SDLP will be highlighting the dangers of the DUP position at the Preparation for Government Committee.  We will urge them to join with us in a better way forward.  One that ensures accountability – and guarantees efficiency.”