Cllr Lagan stated that the group had already begun scoping the realities for all-Ireland political development and were exploring all options.

"Our working group has begun scoping all the realities, possibilities, requirements and options for all-Ireland political development," she said.

"Examining all the issues, implications and ideas for realignment, the working group will explore the full range of permutations in ways that underline, rather than undermine, the core values, principles and objectives of the SDLP, not least our fundamental strategy for achieving a united Ireland in which the (Good Friday) Agreement will endure.

"We are determined to ensure that the SDLP, all that we stand for and everything that we believe in will be at the heart of the new Ireland in the future. We also know we need to be the heartbeat for progressive, visionary and creative politics right now."

Looking back, she highlighted that the SDLP's mission has always been to make this country "the best it can be."
"From the SDLP 's roots in the campaign for civil rights, to our proud role in the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement or in delivering the new beginning in policing, making this country the best it can be – economically, socially, politically, culturally and environmentally – has always been the our mission," said Cllr Lagan.

"Ten years on, it is also right to recall the immense achievement of the Good Friday Agreement and the overwhelming 'Yes' vote it received across Ireland in the referendum. We can register our satisfaction that, after nearly a decade of frustration, we are finally beginning to emancipate the opportunities the Agreement promised us.

"While it is right to reflect on those important events and significant anniversaries, today the SDLP is looking forward, not back."