Transcript of an interview with Mark Durkan, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, by John Humphrys for BBC On the Record on 13 October 2002. Against a backdrop of violence and a perception that the IRA is still active, Unionist politicians are maneuvering to exclude Sinn Féin from the Executive. In order for this to happen Sinn Féin need to resign voluntarily or the SDLP must vote with Unionists to exclude them. Here, Durkan explains why the SDLP will not vote to exclude Sinn Féin. He admits that it is likely that the devolved institutions will be suspended. On the Record was BBC's flagship political programme.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 13/10/2002
Name of First Interviewee: Mark Durkan
Role at time of Interview: Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the SDLP
Interviewer: John Humphrys
Purpose: News
Media: Transcript
Copyright: © BBC On the Record
Link: Read the transcript
Programme/Book/Article: BBC On the Record
Time Period covered: 2002
Key Individuals: Mark Durkan, David Trimble
Key Words: Suspension, Assembly, Executive, Good Friday Agreement, Belfast Agreement, SDLP, UUP, Sinn Féin, IRA