SDLP rule out Westminster election pact with Sinn Fein ahead of June 8th vote - 'We don't do electoral pacts'

SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has said that SDLP will not consider an election pact with Sinn Fein ahead of the General Election on June 8th.

The vote is expected to get the go ahead in the House of Commons later today.

Former SDLP Leader Mrs Ritchie said:"We don't do electoral pacts."

By contrast the DUP and UUP both seem open to a Unionist electoral pact to help them maintain key seats in East Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

UUP Leader Robin Swann said he was 'open' to discussions while DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the DUP wanted to arrange talks 'quickly'.

The parties agreed four electoral pacts in the 2015 General Election.