Sinn Fein blasted for political exclusion

The SDLP's Upper Bann Westminster candidate Dolores Kelly blasted the parties for 'exercising the politics of exclusion'.

She said the move denied nationalism its entitlement to a seat in government.

“The Good Friday Agreement was about inclusion and fair representation," said Mrs Kelly, "but those principles have been thrown out the window by the two main parties.

“They have excluded the SDLP from the ministerial position to which they are entitled to under the agreement and have recreated the old worn-out politics of the past treating nationalists less than equal and giving unionism a privileged place."

She went on: "Sinn Fein harp on about equality but they have struck a deal with the DUP whereby democratic rights have been denied and the clock has been turned back on equality.

“It's clear that these two parties are intent on total control for themselves.

"That has always been the DUP’s objective but Sinn Fein’s collusion with them in this practice is simply shameful.”