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Stormont parties look set to snub Sinn Féin invitation

Michelle O'Neill invited her Stormont counterparts to the launch of Sinn Féin's anti-sectarianism drive. Picture by Mal McCann
Michelle O'Neill invited her Stormont counterparts to the launch of Sinn Féin's anti-sectarianism drive. Picture by Mal McCann Michelle O'Neill invited her Stormont counterparts to the launch of Sinn Féin's anti-sectarianism drive. Picture by Mal McCann

AN invite from Sinn Féin asking the leaders of its Stormont rivals to attend the launch of an anti-sectarianism initiative looks set to be unanimously rejected.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald will be in Belfast on Monday June 25 to unveil the party's drive against religious hatred.

Her deputy Michelle O'Neill has written to a range of representatives from civil society, including the Orange Order, as well as the leaders of the DUP, SDLP, Alliance and Ulster Unionists asking them to attend the launch at the Houben Centre on the Crumlin Road.

But it appears the Mid Ulster MLA's Stormont counterparts will not be attending.

DUP leader Arlene Foster is understood to have a prior diary commitment, although a party spokesman declined to say whether she would have attended otherwise, or if the former first minister would send someone in her place.

The SDLP declined to comment but a senior source indicated that it would be "doubtful" party leader Colum Eastwood would attend.

Alliance leader Naomi Long told The Irish News that her party would not be endorsing the Sinn Féin initiative.

She said the Sinn Féin policy drive would be judged on its "actions rather than words".

"Instead of simply endorsing something pre-prepared, all parties need to get around the table to discuss the issue and find common ground," the East Belfast MLA said.

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann rejected the invite, saying Ms O'Neill and senior members of Sinn Féin "continue to glorify IRA killers".

"Sectarianism is a blight on our society and needs to be tackled in every community but whilst Sinn Féin leaders continue to indulge in their praise and glorification of sectarian killers, it is impossible to see Sinn Féin`s commitment to anti-sectarianism as nothing more than a political tool," he said.

Sinn Féin declined to comment, while the Orange Order did not respond.