SF accuse SDLP of U-turn over Assembly debates
The SDLP and Sinn Féin are involved in a row over how much credibility to give the recalled assembly due to meet at Stormont on Monday.
The SDLP said it will take part in debates while Sinn Féin has accused it of doing a U-turn.
The SDLP said, despite its reservations, it wants to test the British government's promise to listen to what local politicians say in the assembly.
It said the electorate wouldn't forgive it for ignoring vital issues such as the economy, higher rates and education.
But Sinn Féin said the SDLP once described the recalled, powerless assembly as Peter Hain's Wendy House.
Its only function, it said should be to elect a power-sharing government and anything else is a waste of time and an attempt by powerless politicians to justify their salaries and allowances.
Assembly members will merely sign the register on Monday before a majority head off to a royal garden party at Hillsborough Castle.
