The SDLP are inching towards accepting British Government proposals for reform of policing.
SDLP chairman Mr Alex Attwood said it would be "folly" to deny the progress that had been made in the blueprint unveiled yesterday by Northern Secretary Mr John Reid.
Mr Attwood said many of his party's concerns that legislation had strayed from the Patten proposals on reform of the RUC have now been addressed by the Government.
The West Belfast Assemblyman said: "If it is sufficient achievement then we may be in a position to make the judgment to go on to the policing board and go into the policing service."
All sides must decide by Tuesday whether to accept the blueprint for reform unveiled by the Northern Secretary Dr John Reid yesterday.
The endorsement by the SDLP of the proposals unveiled yesterday by Dr Reid is seen as crucial.
Urging all parties to nominate representatives to the Northern Ireland Policing Board which will oversee the RUC's transition to the Police Service of Northern Ireland by Tuesday's noon deadline, Dr Reid insisted it would be a major step towards securing the peace process.
"We want to reach out across the community and we hope that the people who have previously not been able to associate with or participate with the police will now take that opportunity", Dr Reid said.
"That would be a major, major step forward."
The Government has urged the SDLP and Sinn Féin to join the Northern Ireland Policing Board marking a significant change in the Coalition’s attitude to police reform. Up to now, is has often been doubtful about British intentions in the area.
During 45 minutes of talks in Government Buildings on Wednesday, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is believed to have pressured the SDLP Leader, Mr John Hume, to support the proposals.
But Sinn Féin branded the document - which forms part of the two governments' proposals to rescue the Belfast Agreement - a "seriously flawed plan" which was unacceptable.
additional reporting PA
