SDLP approach all about petty self interest
Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson Alex Maskey today said that nationalists and
republicans would be disappointed as once again the SDLP put self interest
above the need to see powers on policing and justice transferred. His
comments came after the SDLP leader Mark Durkan once again put securing the
Ministry from his party in front of actually securing the transfer of the
powers.
Mr Maskey said:
"The recent enthusiasm being displayed by the
SDLP to assume a future justice ministry is interesting given the fact that
the SDLP never previously argued for such powers to be transferred. Indeed
in 2001 the then Deputy Leader Seamus Mallon told us that no further
policing legislation was possible. Sinn Féin's negotiating strategy proved
him wrong and further important changes were secured in legislation.
"Many
nationalists will be disappointed that at a time when maximum pressure needs
to be maintained on the British government to deliver their St. Andrews
Agreement commitments in this area senior members of the SDLP choose once
again to put narrow self interest ahead of ensuring that these powers are
transferred speedily.
"In order to engage in petty political
point they would prefer to align themselves with the most reactionary
elements of political unionism rather than join with Sinn Féin and demand
the delivery of peoples basic rights and entitlements.
"Mark
Durkan is once again putting securing Ministerial trappings for his party
ahead of the need to actually secure the transfer of these powers. They
would serve national and democratic interests far better if they joined with
Sinn Féin in demanding that the British government honour their St. Andrews
commitments." ENDS