The SDLP is undermining the devolved government in Northern Ireland by prevaricating over the policing issue, an Ulster Unionist Minister claimed today.
Stormont Environment Minister Mr Sam Foster urged the nationalist party to make up its mind on the policing issue, instead of letting the uncertainty over the north's political institutions continue.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said the SDLP's reluctance to state its position on policing reforms was de-stabilising the system of government in Northern Ireland.
Mr Foster added: "In prevaricating on whether or not to take places on the new Police Board, the SDLP has shown a reluctance to help stabilise government in Northern Ireland and in this respect they are almost indistinguishable from Sinn Fein.
"The SDLP should remember that the real issue facing Northern Ireland is the attempt by Sinn Fein/IRA to remain in government whilst at the same time retaining a vast arsenal of illegal weaponry.
"Recent events have shown that as long as legal weapons remain in circulation they pose a threat to the decent law-abiding people of Northern Ireland and beyond.
"The SDLP must make up their minds as to whether or not they truly want good government for Northern Ireland or whether they are content to follow the Sinn Fein/IRA agenda."
Mr Foster was speaking as efforts continued to find a way out of the impasse in the Northern Ireland Peace process.
British and Irish government officials have been involved in intense negotiations in recent weeks to resolve the differences that exist between the parties on the policing issue, IRA disarmament and the scaling down of British military bases in republican areas.
Unionists are seeking significant movement from the IRA on the issue of de-commissioning, with the paramilitary group re-engaging substantially with the commission tasked with achieving disarmament. PA