The Alliance Party has accused those arguing for "sectarian electoral pacts" of going against the mood of the people of Northern Ireland as expressed in the referendum. Sinn Fein has urged the SDLP to consider such a pact for nationalist votes.
Alliance's deputy leader, Mr Seamus Close, said: "When 71 per cent of people voted Yes, they were making a clear statement they wanted a new beginning. They were taking a stand for non-sectarianism and for the whole community working together in government. It is therefore very disappointing to hear various politicians arguing for sectarian voting pacts.
"It flies in the face of the clear wish of the people of Northern Ireland for a future together. I believe that the electorate are much more sophisticated and will use their votes wisely for those candidates that will make the new institutions work."
The Workers' Party accused Sinn Fein of sectarianism. "Sinn Fein's call for an electoral pact is a retrograde move totally out of step with the sentiments of the referendum vote," said the party's Belfast chairman, Mr John Lowry.