The elephant in the room

Tom Kelly OBE has an interesting article in today’s Irish News (subs needed) on the SDLP – Fianna Fail relationship. Tom is a long term and consistent advocate of a merger between the two parties and not surprisingly he uses the column to argue the case.

Fortnight Magazine has asked me to pen a considered piece on the SDLP and I will post it up here when it is published. One thing that does occur to me is that the vast majority of SDLP members do not define themselves in relation to a southern party. I have to say with the exception of those who are strongly advocating an early FF merger, I have never heard anyone say to me they are SDLP-FF, SDLP-FG or SDLP-Labour for that matter.  The vast majority of SDLP people define themselves as just that – SDLP.  It will be critically important that their views are reflected in future discussions with any other party.

Another significant consideration in all of this is the SDLP’s membership of the Party of European Socialists. If it were to leave the PES for any reason there is a near certainty Sinn Fein would apply for membership. A move which is likely to be very unpopular amongst SDLP voters.

Lots more to come.