SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has called for political leaders to be relentlessly pragmatic as talks aimed at restoring power sharing government continue.
Mr Eastwood said that a deal will become much harder to secure if parties don’t come together this month.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The positive engagement between parties has continued this week and we remain optimistic that a deal to restore power sharing is possible.
“It’s important, however, that the positivity shifts quickly into political pragmatism. Honourable compromise has always been the path to progress here.
“This will be no different.”
Speaking after further progress was made on compensation for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, the SDLP Leader commented:
“Victims and Survivors have waited far too long for redress.
“That’s why I tabled amendments to the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry legislation that would have allowed for an interim payment scheme. It remains a matter of profound regret that others did not support our proposal at that time.
“Parties have been working hard together to provide a resolution on this issue, in spite of the unnecessary barriers placed in the way by the Northern Ireland Office.
“We hope to make further progress in the coming days that will provide victims and survivors with the compensation they are entitled to.”
Tags: