The re-appearing opposition
I spoke too soon. I thought the ministerial agreement on Peter Robinson's final budget signalled a truce in the executive civil war and an end, albeit temporary, to the period of "opposition within". But tonight the SDLP signalled that, notwithstanding Margaret Ritchie's extra £200 million for affordable housing, the Assembly group intends to vote against the budget tomorrow. In fact, after some procedural wrangling over an SDLP amendment not being taken, they ended up voting tonight against the programme for government. Other Executive parties argue this leaves Ms Ritchie in an untenable position, but the SDLP says that whilst the ministerial rules mean she must back the budget there is nothing to stop her colleagues walking into the opposition lobby. So the civil war continues.
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Surely there are three zeroes missing from that social housing figure?
Long day, I know...
MARK REPLIES: Well spotted Gonzo. I have amended accordingly
Are you not supposed to get yourself into a reasonably powerful position before you pull moves like this?
I'm struggling to see how this increases the SDLP's influence on the executive. Certainly hasn't helped Margaret Ritchie. She must be wondering where she went wrong.
I can just see Ian Paisley Jnr slapping her on the back with a massive grin on his face.
Peter Robinson looking her up and down and telling her she deserves everything she gets.
Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley pointing and laughing.
Reg Empey tutting at the whole lot of them.
Mark Durkan, nowhere to be seen.
And that was the UDA funding row. Imagine what they're going to be like now!
According to the news story, a Sinn Fein source called the move ridiculous. Spot on. This lot aren't even ready for opposition, never mind government.
If anyone thinks that Margaret Ritchie wasn't in the room when this decision was made then they have absolutely no idea about how the SDLP works.