SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has said that Arlene Foster has 'missed an opportunity' to restore the power-sharing institutions at Stormont.

His comments come after Mrs Foster said she was open to talks on culture and equality, after an Executive is formed.

The Foyle MLA said: “Arlene Foster has missed an opportunity to do the right thing and show real leadership. If this is a signal towards change of position from the DUP on a standalone Irish Language Act then we welcome that, but there is nothing explicit in these remarks to confirm that yet.

“The proposals made are not a credible solution to the challenges we face, and the DUP Leader knows that. They are the definition of kicking the can down the road.

“There is little point in restoring the Executive only to face collapse at a further stage.

“Anything that can be agreed in a time limited parallel process can be agreed now. Time is not the issue, a critical lack of political generosity is.

“There is an emerging battle to shift blame rather than proposing credible solutions.

"Instead parties should move to deliver a sustainable and inclusive Executive. That means tackling the difficult issues, agreeing an implementation plan for health service transformation and resourcing our struggling public services."

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