The Ulster Unionist Party congratulates the SDLP on their principled decision to join the Official Opposition in Stormont and looks forward to working collaboratively in what will be Northern Ireland's first ever cross community opposition at Stormont.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said:
"I am delighted that the SDLP have chosen this path. I am confident it will lead to new beginnings and possibilities for devolved government. We have been heartened by the extraordinary level of support which we received since we made our decision last Thursday and I am sure the SDLP will receive similar praise and encouragement.
“I enjoyed working with Colum Eastwood during his time on the Committee of OFMdFM during the last mandate. I very much look forward to working in partnership as we bring on this new era. Be in no doubt, together we can offer the opportunity of a real fresh start.
"We will move swiftly to sort out the nuts and bolts of how we maximise our impact and effectiveness.”