THE SDLP deputy leader, Mr Seamus Mallon, availed of a debate on political affairs to stamp his firm opposition to any electoral pact with Sinn Fein.
Although the motion dealing with electoral arrangements was discussed in private yesterday, Mr Mallon insisted during open debate on Saturday that the SDLP could never be part of a philosophy that believed violence could solve political problems.
Several other speakers affirmed the party's independence and distinctiveness from Sinn Fein, while also stating that Sinn Fein should be allowed into talks in the event of a ceasefire.
Mr Mallon outlined his philosophy of the differences between the SDLP and Sinn Fein - a distinction which was vital to the SDLP's very existence, he said.
He said that Sinn Fein was part of a "defenderist culture". "It is introverted, narrow and corrosive, and will choke the real spirit of nationalism and republicanism.
"When history is written we will be judged by our custodianship of that which is visionary in Northern Ireland political life," he told the delegates.
Mr Mallon said he was proud to have been part of the nationalist consensus manifested in the New Ireland Forum in Dublin which was based on the principles of non violence and consent.
But that was different from the "pan nationalist front", which was being interpreted as stating that nationalists should band together to get their way against unionism. Such a front ran absolutely counter to the SDLP tenet that whatever ensues politically "will happen through negotiations and by agreement".
Mr Mallon said the republican movement was wrong to claim there was a political vacuum. Nine parties and the two governments were involved in the talks. Sinn Fein, however, was taking the easy option of remaining outside and playing "the hurler on the ditch".
The involvement of Sinn Fein in the talks would greatly strengthen the process, but it was a myth to believe that with Sinn Fein at Stormont it would be much easier to find a solution. Irrespective of who was at the talks they would remain protracted and difficult, he stated.
"The negotiations will still be with the Trimble of Drumcree, with the Paisley of many escapades, with the Bob McCartney of ego land, with the SDLP, and with the two sovereign governments.
"Let them (Sinn Fein) join us in the really difficult task of trying to write our generation's part in this history, so we can then be custodians for it, and allow other generations to start and move forward into probably a greater and brighter future," said Mr Mallon.
The West Belfast MP, Dr Joe Hendron, said the SDLP was not part of a pan nationalist front. "Our origins are different. Our aims are different. Our methods are different. We put people before territory. We put people before borders.
"We do not exploit our people, do not murder our people, we do not destroy jobs and do not destroy the prospects of inward investment. The SDLP does not seek community control. The SDLP does not seek community manipulation," Dr Hendron added.
Mr Sean Farren, from North Antrim, said the breaking of the IRA ceasefire was a "massive betrayal". The current talks must continue and politicians must endeavour to make progress.
Mr Alex Attwood, from West Belfast, said his judgment was that the republican leadership no longer believed in the advantage of war.
Mr Mark Durkan, the former SDLP chairman, said there was a confidence gap between Sinn Fein and the British government. Sinn Fein wanted to be certain that if involved in talks they would be meaningful and viable, while the British wanted assurances that an IRA ceasefire would be real and reliable. That was the gap which must be bridged, he said.
