SDLP: '˜Deal still possible'

Mr Eastwood said : “I have met with the Secretary of State this afternoon following the collapse of all-party talks. I impressed on him the need for an immediate refreshed dialogue between all the parties while many of the challenges facing us can be resolved.

“Over the course of the last few weeks we reached common ground on a number of key issues and closed gaps on others. Even on issues which seemed intractable, like Brexit, significant progress was possible. We must all seek to occupy and expand that common ground, not see it scorched.

“What’s needed now is a new structured dialogue to take the place of the shapeless process that has concluded. A new process should take place with an independent chair not only facilitating proceedings but driving the dialogue forward.

“We are facing an immediate budgetary crisis. We are days away from the triggering of Article 50. The political impotence cannot continue while the people we represent suffer as a result. All parties must come back to the table. A resolution is possible.”