Pat Ramsey Slams SF and DUP for Exclusivist Approach to Politics

Sinn Fein and the DUP are clearly carving up power between them. On the issue of parades, they have decided that the 6 person group thatwill decide on the system for managing parades, is to be made up of 3 DUP and 3 Sinn Fein Assembly Members. Is that democratic or inclusive?

“During the Hillsborough talks, Sinn Fein and the DUP huddled and colluded, keeping the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP out of the talks. The deal they agreed means that no nationalist need apply for the policing and justice Ministry. According to democratic mandate, theSDLP is in line for the next Ministerial position. Alban McGuinnessis our candidate, and he is eminantly qualified for the job. Probably the most qualified person in the Assembly. He will not get it.

“When the SDLP and Ulster Unionists were the biggest parties, we in the SDLP ensured, as a matter of principle, that all parties should be fully included in talks. We made sure SF was involved at a time when others wanted them excluded. And we did that because each of the parties represented a section of our people. The DUP and SF are now saying, that only their parties, and the sections of the community they represent matter. They are excluding the rest of our communities are to be excluded. That is not acceptable.

“Their approach is to create crises and then covering themselves inself ritcheous praise for solving the crises. People are getting verywary of their exclusivist approach.”