The leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party has indicated he favours restructuring Stormont to a government and opposition model, similar to that of Dáil Éireann.
Speaking today at his party's annual conference in Belfast Dr Alasdair Mc Donnell said the situation will be kept under review.
The SDLP may argue that it provided many of the ideas that shape Northern Ireland's model of power-sharing, including the mandatory coalition at Stormont.
Some within the party, including its deputy leader, Dolores Kelly, openly questioned if it should stay within the current structure, where Sinn Féin and the DUP are dominant voices.
In the past, several politicians have argued that Stormont should move to a version of the government and opposition model, like those of Dáil Éireann or Westminster.
In his speech to the party conference, Dr Alasdair Mc Donnell kept his options open.
He said he is against adopting some sort of abstentions role.
His speech had one reference to Maria Cahill, who was a guest speaker at one of the conference sessions, saying republicans have been sullied by those who would force their will on others.
The fringe meeting where Maria Cahill addressed delegates was one of the best-attended events at the SDLP's Annual Conference.
Following today's conference the party leader, Dr Alasdair McDonnell said the SDLP would apply the same principled stand against sexual abuse - as it took to past injustices.
