There was a "clear water" between the SDLP and Sinn Fein on their approach policing reform in Northern Ireland, the SDLP Assembly member for South Down said last night.
Mr Eamonn O'Neill, who was speaking at a debate in UCD, rejected the suggestion SDLP opposition to the Police Bill was inspired by political considerations.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr Peter Mandelson, had suggested that the party's refusal to sit on the Policing Board was a result of their wishing to appeared as strongly opposed to the Bill as Sinn Fein.
"We're not looking over our shoulder," he said. "We have analysed this issue from the early 1970s and have been working on it ever since."
Mr Ken Maginnis, security spokesman for the UUP, said changes were being made to the RUC "to ensure the RUC is representative of the community".
He said the reason Sinn Fein was challenging the Police Bill was because it wanted "the RUC to be defeated".
The RUC had "over the years borne the brunt of trying to keep two traditions apart". He said the force had had to contend with "outrageous acts of terrorism".
There was still the threat of terrorism, he added.
Dr Martin Manseragh, special advisor to the Taoiseach on Northern Ireland, said the Government did not agree with the Sinn Fein stance that the Patten recommendations had been "gutted" in the Police Bill.
However, there were some important matters which remained to be resolved, he added.
"These include the closure of Gough holding centre, the reform of the Special Branch, the composition and nature of the RUC Reserve, the role and functions of the District Policing Partnerships . . . and the efficacy of the [Policing] Board's inquiry powers."
