SDLP manifesto at-a-glance

Good Friday Agreement

In wholeheartedly in favour of the Agreement

Committed to the principle of consent

Wants the full implementation of outstanding issues such as decommissioning and demilitarisation

Policing

Wants the full implementation of the Patton report

Demands the closure of Gough Barracks and the reform of Special Branch

Is calling for the withdrawal from use of plastic bullets

Wants the Gardai to be allowed to join the police service in Northern Ireland

Wants public inquiries into controversial murders

Law and Order

Supports the abolition of Diplock Courts and the abolition of emergency laws

Supports the reform of the judicial appointments system

Education

Believes the 11-Plus transfer test should be abolished

Wants the provision of fully-funded preschool places for all children

Wants investment in school buildings to eliminate the use of mobile classrooms

Supports widening the curriculum to include vocational subjects from age 14

Health

Believes there must be greater emphasis on primary care

Wants staff and skills shortages addressed

Is in favour of greater financial and medical support for carers

Urges imediate investment in the ambulance service

Will campaign to tackle youth suicide

Economy

Will strongly encourage the Dublin government to invest more in border areas

Wants to maximise North-South
co-operation in job creation and economic investment

Will work to achieve entry into the single European currency

Wants to ensure a fair geographical spread of jobs across NI

Rural Affairs

Will work to achieve low-incidence BSE status so NI is distinguished form the UK

Supports a vigorous European marketing campaign for NI agricultural produce

Wants to promote organic farming with due regard for the costs associated

Will protect the interests of farmers in the review of CAP

Environment

Will lobby for the establishment of an Independent Environmental Protection Agency for NI

Supports the "polluter pays" principle and wants to reduce air emissions to meet Kyoto targets

Will work towards the reduction of waste as a priority followed by re-use recycling and energy recovery

Culture and sport

Will lobby for a tax-exemption scheme for artists and sportspersons similar to the Irish Republic's

Believes symbols, flags and emblems should be displayed on public buildings only by agreement

Wants special recognition and an enhanced role for the Irish language in public life

Would supports the development of purpose built motor racing tracks to reduce risks associated with the sport

Europe

Is in favour of the introduction of the single European currency

Wants the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy by moving towards sustainable agriculture and an integrated rural development policy

Is working actively as a party within all institutions of the EU

Other

Wants proper accommodation to meet the needs of the travelling people

Calls for fair treatment of asylum seekers

Supports the cancellation of third world debt