The British Labour Party conference was today urged to give people in Northern Ireland the chance to become party members for the first time.
As delegates in Bournemouth prepared to debate a motion allowing people in the province full membership rights, Belfast-based trade unionist Mr Andy McGivern called on them to give people in Northern Ireland a "non-sectarian alternative to polarised politics".
The deputy senior steward, whose legal challenge against the party on the ban prompted the motion, will not be taking part in today's debate.
He explained: "I am not going to be speaking on the conference floor on the issue because there are legal implications if we still have to go to court."I hope delegates will grant people like me in Northern Ireland the opportunity to join the party I have always wanted to be a part of.
"My natural allegiance has always been to Labour but I have not been allowed to join because I live in Northern Ireland," Mr McGivern said.
Labour has traditionally cited its links with Mr Mark Durkan's Social Democratic and Labour Party as its main reason for excluding would-be members from the province.
The SDLP and Labour are both members of the Party of European Socialists. However, supporters of Labour moving into Northern Ireland have argued that the SDLP is primarily a nationalist party.
Labour chiefs have asked delegates to grant full membership.