FF-SDLP partnership has a chance, but both sides must commit
Northern Ireland is a sceptical place, and previous alliances failed to achieve lift-off
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood at the launch of the new partnership in Belfast. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Micheál Martin and Colum Eastwood were careful to avoid creating any hostages to fortune when they announced the new “unprecedented” and “historic” Fianna Fáil-SDLP official connection.
It was a partnership, not a merger, said Eastwood, with Martin steadfastly refusing to speculate beyond what was actually being launched.