SDLP leader denies party division
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has denied his party is divided over whether to support the Northern Ireland Assembly budget and programme for government.
Mark Durkan’s SDLP looks set to vote against the budget
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie was the party’s only MLA to vote for the programme for government.
However, Mr Durkan said this was because changes to the ministerial code meant Ms Ritchie had no choice.
The assembly is to debate and vote on Finance Minister Peter Robinson’s first budget on Tuesday.
Mr Robinson published his draft budget last October and a final version was agreed by the executive last week.
The SDLP and Alliance Party are expected to vote against the budget, although the DUP, Sinn Fein and Ulster Unionists are set to back it.
On Monday night, the assembly voted in favour of the programme for government and investment strategy.
It was passed by 60 votes to 24, with the SDLP and Alliance Party voting against it.
Mr Durkan said his party decided to vote against the programme for government because it was unclear on many issues including water reform, post-primary school reform and the health budget.
“If Ms Ritchie had not supported the programme for government, the DUP would have excluded her from office,” he said.
“We have a mandate to do what we are doing, we are standing by our manifesto.”
