SDLP’s strategic deficit

Eilis O’Hanlon criticises the leadership of Mark Durkan for not seeking to wrest the initiative for the Nationalist agenda from Sinn Fein:

“He lacks concentration. He too easily allows himself to be drawn into pointless philosophical debates with Sinn Fein, such as when a Catholic majority will emerge, instead of dragging the fight constantly back to issues on which he can draw blood.” “Sinn Fein’s attitude to the SDLP, meanwhile, is to patronise and insult them when they make brave moves such as joining the Policing Board, but to use them for cover when the IRA skeleton starts rattling in the cupboard; and it’s a role which the SDLP is still far too willing to play.”


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