Opposition Leader David Ford said: “The SDLP must now leave the Executive.
“The party is displaying total hypocrisy, having a Minister in Government, yet still opposing that Government.
“They have now voted against the two most important Executive proposals of the next three years. Even if last night was a mistake on their part, the issue is now beyond doubt. Logically they must withdraw their Minister from the Executive.
“The SDLP previously criticised the DUP for playing games in government, now it is they who are playing very similar games.
“We present a strong and coherent opposition, but an SDLP Minister is still part of this weak and incoherent government, which their other MLAs oppose. If they want to maintain any integrity at all, they must leave the Executive.”
ENDS