John Dallat MLA.
The SDLP will not be voting for Sinn Fein’s Mitchel McLaughlin to become the new Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
MLAs will today choose a successor to Derry DUP MLA Willie Hay who is standing down from the position due to ill health.
The DUP struck a deal during Ian Paisley’s time as First Minister that Sinn Fein would hold the post which would see the current Deputy Speaker, Derry man Mitchel McLaughlin, the South Antrim MLA, become Speaker.
However, it is known a number of DUP members are against Sinn Fein holding the post.
And SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said his party would be putting forward their East Derry MLA John Dallat for the post.
He said: “As Speaker Hay resigns, it is right that a Nationalist is now chosen to fill the vacancy. That is a matter of equality and should be a recognition of how far we’ve come.
“It should not be the basis of another back room deal between Sinn Fein and the DUP. It is a basic duty of the Assembly to respect and reflect all political traditions. Choosing a nationalist speaker will honour that principle.
“That will be the position of the SDLP. And when we are given the opportunity, we will nominate Deputy Speaker John Dallat MLA to take on the role.
“John is a respected senior member of the Assembly and has performed the role of Deputy Speaker with distinction for seven years.
Sinn MLA Mitchel McLaughlin.
“At a time when the Assembly risks falling into deeper crisis, it is important that we have strong, honourable member who will act with integrity in the Chair.
Mr Durkan said the SDLP’s Parliamentary group would meet before the vote to discuss “how we will vote.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “This is another test of the commitment of parties to the principles of power sharing. It’s important that will all reflect those values and I look forward to working constructively with the new Speaker.”
