Northern Ireland Forum

The Forum was established following the forum election in May 1996. Representatives were elected to the Forum on the basis of party strength at the election. All the parties with the exception of Sinn Féin initially took part in the Forum. On 13 July 1996 the Social Democratic and Labour Party left the Forum in protest at the action of the authorities in relation to the Drumcree 'stand-off'. Representatives of the political parties entitled to be at the Forum are also entitled to take part in the multi-party talks at Stormont.