SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell has met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Leinster House to discuss issues currently affecting both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr McDonnell was accompanied on Thursday by an SDLP senior delegation and spoke on issues such as the Dublin government’s role as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and its backing of the PSNI and Parades Commission.

Speaking after the meeting, the SDLP leader said: "I emphasised that if we are to realise a strong, peaceful and prosperous North then we need the support of our southern neighbours to achieve that ideal. Our society can only be prosperous when we engage in a truth and reconciliation process which guards against us remaining trapped by, and in danger of falling back into, the dark days of the past.

"The Good Friday Agreement provides the framework for achieving true reconciliation on our Island. I impressed upon the Taoiseach the need for the Dublin government, acting as co-guarantors of its values, alongside the London government to deepen and advance the ambitions of the Good Friday Agreement and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all.


"In light of the recent disturbing scenes of illegal and violent flag marches I also stressed that the operational independence of the PSNI must be fiercely guarded. Ahead of what has the potential to be a torrid few months in respect of the parading season we also discussed the integrity and legal authority of the Parades Commission and the need for that authority to be re-affirmed by political leaders.

"I am energised by today’s meeting which covered a broad range of areas that are mutually beneficial to the North and South. The SDLP will continue to build on its strong links with our neighbours in the South in order to resolve the outstanding challenges that face our society in the North, demonstrated most recently by illegal flag protests."

(IT)