A merger between the SDLP and Fianna Fáil cannot be ruled out, Foyle MP Mark Durkan says.
The SDLP leader made the comment after the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced that his party is to organise North of the border for the first time. It is understood that Fianna Fáil will spend the next 12 months establishing its party structures in the
North before contesting local government elections. They will not be fielding candidates in Wesminster elections.
Both the SDLP and Sinn Féin have given a broad welcome to the Fianna Fáil announcement. The move has also led to renewed speculation of a possible merger between the SDLP and Bertie Ahern’s party.
Mr Durkan said the move offers a “huge opportunity” for partnership. “In recent years, we have continued to take on the real issues of the day, North and South, not least through our ‘North-South Makes Sense’ strategy for all-island cooperation. We have worked closely and extensively with Ministers from Fianna Fáil on the National Development Plan which is now paying huge dividends in investment for the North.
“Now, as we look forward to ever-greater focus on everyday economic and social issues, and in particular to the North-South Parliamentary Forum which has yet to be set up, we see huge opportunity for new partnership and co-operation.
“Today, An Taoiseach indicated that Fianna Fáil is approaching the questions of island-wide politics,” he said.
The Foyle MP also said the announcement was consistent with the SDLP’s plans to redevelop itself. “For our part, the SDLP has also been considering this in the context of a review of party development. Indeed, members of the review team recently met Dermot Ahern TD as well as members of other parties in the South,” he said.
The Fianna Fáil announcement was also welcomed by local Sinn Féin councillor Gerry MacLochlainn who claimed that Bertie Ahern was following the example of Sinn Féin by becoming an All-Ireland party. "Sinn Féin welcomes the announcement from Taoiseach Ahern. It is nearly ten years since the Good Friday Agreement was endorsed by the people of the island. Unfortunately, it has taken Fianna Fáil this long to embrace the positive aspects of developing its party throughout the 32 counties but we are encouraged that the Taoiseach has now finally acknowledged the importance of such a move.
"It is encouraging that the Fianna Fáil leadership is finally incorporating an all-island approach into its political priorities and strategies,” he added.
