Budget passes despite opposition

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Assembly members have voted to pass the executive's first budget, despite SDLP and Alliance Party opposition.

The legislation was approved by a majority of unionists and nationalists on the required cross-community vote.

An SDLP amendment fell by 65 votes to 15, while the Alliance amendment which spelled out its concerns on a shared future fell by 66 votes to nine.

The DUP's and Sinn Fein's strength meant there was never any chance of the £18bn budget not being passed.

However, the SDLP's actions in voting against the budget and Monday's Programme for Government have provoked criticism from executive colleagues.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan defended his party against accusations that it used the budget to engage in political stunts.

It proposed an amendment criticising the budget over water reform, education and the lack of a special children's fund.

Peter Robinson has criticised the SDLPFinance Minister Peter Robinson described the SDLP's actions as a "political stunt devoid of principle".

Mr Robinson was speaking in the assembly as the debate on his first budget got under way.

He said the SDLP was more interested in opposition for its own sake.

However, Mr Durkan said his party had every right to seek to amend the budget.

"If this assembly was just there to rubber-stamp whatever the executive agrees then we shouldn't have this assembly."

Speaking outside the chamber, Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams described the SDLP as a party "which has lost its way".

"I am talking about a lack of considered and consistent leadership," he said.

"One week the SDLP votes for a programme for government and a budget and this week they vote against it.

"They have given no rational or logical answer for doing so."

On Monday, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie was the SDLP's only MLA to vote for the programme for government.

Mr Durkan said Ms Ritchie had supported the proposals because changes to the ministerial code meant she had no choice.

He said his party decided to vote against the programme for government because it was unclear on many issues including water reform, post-primary school reform and the health budget.

"If Ms Ritchie had not supported the programme for government, the DUP would have excluded her from office," Mr Durkan said.

The assembly voted in favour of adopting the programme.

It was passed by 60 votes to 24, with the SDLP and Alliance Party voting against it.