SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood says his party would be “constructive” to get a deal done to restore power-sharing but would be using his meetings with the Irish and British Governments to end the “cloak of secrecy”.Tánaiste) Simon Coveney will also be at Stormont.
Said Mr Eastwood: “The SDLP will always play a constructive role in working to restore power-sharing. We know the reality of our politics, we will always have to work together to progress the lives of citizens here.
“We also know the reality that if there is no government here, there is no power and therefore there can be no change.
“However, we are not prepared to have the public shut out as another round of talks begins without any information on the progress that has been made. People deserve to know why they have been denied a government for over a year.
“We’ve been told time and time again by representatives of both the DUP and Sinn Féin that they have stretched themselves to find a compromise.
“Before a new round of talks begins, the progress that was made during the last phase should now be published so that all parties understand what was agreed, who has stretched themselves to find a resolution and where each of the issues stand.
“Other parties cannot be asked to negotiate blind while the DUP and Sinn Féin refuse to put their cards on the table. In our meetings with the Irish and British Governments this week the SDLP will be making in crystal clear, we aren’t here to window dress.
“Both Government’s have a responsibility here and that’s not to the DUP and Sinn Féin but it’s to our people – they need to end the cloak of secrecy so we can all get on with the job of delivering a government here so then we can have change, real equality and progress.”
