Sinn Fein/SDLP merger

[Some user]

Great to see Paisley and McGuinness smiling and talking yesterday, not to mind being part of the same government.

Although it would seem unlikely at this point I wonder would it make sense for the SDLP to merge with Sinn Fein eventually. With no presence in the south and dwindling popularity the SDLP have possibly served their purpose as a single entity.

Even though nationalists would not have a majority, as the biggest party in the assembly this would make McGuinness or his successor First Minister.

In the interests of a United Ireland it would be preferable to have a republican first minister. I would prefer to see the SDLP merge with someone like the UUP to really bring the two sides together but I dont think NI is anywhere near that yet.

[northmallexile]

I'd say the SDLP is more likely to merge with someone south of the border - I think this has even been posited a couple of times. You'd feel Labour would be the obvious choice, but I've heard FF mentioned.

[PermanentMarker]

I think FF was on the agenda when Hume was wrapping up the leadership some years back. It would make a lot of sense for them politically rather than jumping in with labour who are always going to be a small party with FF and FG around.