The SDLP has said that the absence of a visible process, which would provide for the implementation of the Good Friday agreement is proving to be very damaging. The party made its comments before meeting the Taoiseach at Government Buildings. It said that the urgent re-establishment of the North's institutions and the full implementation of the accord were of paramount importance. The party's leader, John Hume, said that the SDLP wanted to see the two governments and the pro-Agreement parties work urgently together to end the current impasse.
In a separate development earlier today, Ian Paisley Junior of the Democratic Unionist Party confirmed that the independent Northern Assembly member for Upper Bann, Denis Watson, has joined the party. Mr Watson was expelled from the Ulster Unionist Party in 1998. There is speculation that he may challenge David Trimble in the next Westminster election in the constituency. Mr Paisley said that he expected more defections from those dissatisfied with Mr Trimble's leadership.
An Ulster Unionist Councillor in County Tyrone, William Larmour of Cookstown, has also announced that he has resigned from the party and will in future operate as an Independent. He said that he could no longer work within a party whose deep divisions are not serving the people of Northern Ireland. Mr Larmour has been a member of Cookstown District Council for the past three years.
