Foyle Assembly Election 2016: Durkan urges people to '˜come out in strength' for SDLP

Mr Durkan said: “The SDLP is the only party which has been consistent in their opposition to welfare reform in both Westminster and the Assembly – and the only Northern Ireland party which has opposed the ‘welfare cap’ which is the search engine for future welfare cuts.

“We know that many people are disillusioned after two disappointing terms of government dominated by Sinn Féin and the DUP which has delivered little to Derry and the North West – and has certainly delivered a lot less than what was ‘guaranteed’, ‘promised’ or ‘delivered’ in previous elections.

“The best chance for a stronger Programme for Government is to strengthen the SDLP’s hand in the negotiations to follow the election.

“Sinn Féin and the DUP have failed to take forward the prospects of a City Deal for Derry and the North West – using excuses which ignore what the Scottish and Welsh governments have done, as well as Labour-led cities and towns in England.

“Those two parties do not deserve to win 4 out of the 6 Foyle seats they are seeking.

“Many voters realise that Sinn Féin are seeking a third seat here for a third term of third-rate government.

“When the SDLP voted against previous Programmes for Government and budgets on the grounds that they weren’t good enough for rebalancing the region or implementing the One Plan, we were accused of being negative – but we have been proven to have been positively correct as well as being true to our word on welfare.

“I am therefore encouraging people to come out in strength on May 5 for the SDLP who are showing best purpose for the development of Derry and the North West.

“To make a positive difference, vote SDLP.”