Opponents of the SDLP's plan for civic administrators to run government departments in the absence of devolution are making themselves advocates for direct rule, party leader Mark Durkan claimed today.
The former Stormont deputy first minister told Derry's chamber of commerce that opponents of the plan were afraid the administrators, who would be nominated by the British and Irish governments, would prove too good at the job.
The Foyle Assembly member said his plan would "protect the executive power model of the [Belfast] Agreement and prevent direct rule".
The SDLP leader, who lodged his nomination papers for the general election today accompanied by the outgoing MP John Hume, said civic administrators would operate as ministers of the Assembly, enabling the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council to function as they were originally intended.
He explained: "The civic administration panel would not only be nominated by the two governments, after consultation, but would have to be approved by the Assembly in a cross-community vote.
"So our proposals are not for a super quango, mandarin rule or unaccountable government. The 108 elected MLAs would be doing the job they are meant to do and the North-South arrangements can do the job they need to do."
"The reality is those who argue against our proposals argue for suspension and British direct rule."
Mr Durkan is seeking his first term as a Westminster MP in what could be the closest fought constituency in the North.
PA