SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has wished his political rival Martin McGuinness a “full and fast return to good health”.
The Foyle MLA contacted the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister as speculation mounted over whether Mr McGuinness might stand down in the new year following a health scare which forced him to pull out of a recent trip to China at the last minute
A senior former Sinn Fein colleague has speculated that his term in the Executive Office could be coming to an end.
An SDLP spokesman revealed Mr Eastwood had contacted Mr McGuinness to wish him “a full and fast return to good health”.
He added: “Our thoughts are with him and his family over Christmas and into the New Year as he recovers.”
The Deputy First Minister admitted last week that Mr McGuinness’ health made efforts to prevent the current Stormont crisis over the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme from threatening the institutions “even more problematic at this time”.
Both the Executive Office and Sinn Fein said his work as Deputy First Minister was unaffected and there was no change since it emerged he was not accompanying First Minister Arlene Foster on a trade mission to China on medical advice.
“Martin McGuinness is fulfilling his responsibilities as Deputy First Minister working with his departmental political advisers.”
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