Devolved ministers in Northern Ireland need to be more bold when political institutions are restored in the province, SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan, said tonight.
The former deputy first minister said during power-sharing some ministers were too conservative and too defensive of their own department's needs.
He told an SDLP fringe meeting at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth that devolution must return to Northern Ireland.
"Direct rule - it is widely acknowledged, even by the direct rulers - is not good for Northern Ireland," the former Foyle MLA said.
"This is not a sleight at direct rule ministers, some of whom have shown not just an understanding of the nature of our needs but also a commitment to addressing our concerns.
"The fact remains that locally elected, locally accountable ministers have a better feel for a bigger commitment to the local community and its needs.
"Even with the problems that continually plague the political process, the executive and other institutions worked effectively when given the time and space.
"However, in newly restored institutions there is a much greater need for new radical departures. We cannot be mesmerised by the fact and novelty of shared governance.
"There is a clear need for us all to show the sort of innovation and imagination to really transform our situation."
Mr Durkan insisted that as efforts continued to restore devolution, there was a need for all parties in Northern Ireland and the British and Irish Governments to move beyond constant speculation and implement all remaining aspects of the Belfast Agreement.
PA