Resignations at SDLP in protest at partnership with Fianna Fáil

THE SDLP has suffered a series of resignations after ratifying its partnership with Fianna Fáil.

The chairpersons of the party’s youth, women and LGBT wings said they were stepping down in an open letter that was sharply critical of how the partnership decision was reached.

On Saturday, party leader Colum Eastwood hailed the birth of a policy link-up he said would build a better future.

The decision was endorsed by more than two to one of those present at a special conference in Newry, Co. Down, while an alternative motion opposing the partnership was defeated.

Matthew Corr (youth), Caoimhe McNeill (women) and Matthew Carson (LGBT+) wrote: ‘Calls for respect and party unity ring hollow when a coach and horses has been driven through the proper procedure which exists to facilitate a debate, on equal terms, and allow the party to come together after.’

They added Saturday’s conference was called without proper notice being given. ‘Voting opened while the debate was ongoing, allowing people to vote before they had heard all points of view,’ the letter said. ‘This was extremely discourteous to speakers of every side.’

The party members said they would still campaign for SDLP candidates in May’s local government elections.