One widely expressed view for the transition is that Sinn Fein has successfully “stolen the clothes” of the SDLP by transforming itself into a constitutional nationalist party. The IRA have been in ceasefire since 1994 and with the Troubles supposedly over a vote for Sinn Fein is no longer a vote for violence and therefore competition for votes is much higher because the distinctions between the two parties are less obvious. In the eyes of Nationalist voters, SF is the most likely to achieve a united Ireland.
Sinn Fein noticeably moderated - especially after 2006 and St Andrews. They were becoming a mainstream party and were regarded as a legitimate party by Nationalists, who previously would not have voted for them. SF Ministers in the Executive were effective and popular. Martin McGuinness was transformed into an effective Deputy First Minister. Sinn Fein gradually moderated to the point where they occupied the same centre left political ground of the SDLP. The SDLP would have to fight to be relevant. For example, on key issues such as education, Sinn Fein and SDLP have extremely similar views. They both support the abolishment of academic selection and the creation of all-ability comprehensive state schools. This could lead voters to question why there even needs to be two Nationalist parties.
There is the view that much of the success of Sinn Fein is due to the failure of the SDLP to maintain, never mind extend, its appeal to Nationalist voters. The SDLP have always been used as a ‘go between’ when negotiating with Sinn Fein. Both the DUP and UUP have never had any problem working with the SDLP. The SDLP are in a position where they do not want to side with Sinn Fein too much or else they will lose their unique party identity, but at the same time if they condemn Sinn Fein it could be perceived as siding with the Unionists.
In terms of image, recent soundings suggest that there are inherent problems in the party’s image. It is failing to be relevant. It is perceived as too male. Despite having a previous female party leader, it is the males who seem to dominate. It's got a middle class and middle of the road image. Sinn Fein have its roots in working class politics. Despite being a socialist party, the SDLP have always had a core middle class of support that have followed it from the early days. Its policies on austerity for example are at odds with Sinn Fein's more radical agenda. Sinn Fein is also dominant in its courtship of the youth vote. Its radical platform appeals to young people much more than the policies of the SDLP. It needs an influx of new, young vibrant talent and stop its reliance on the 'old guard'
Moreover, another cause of their decline is that they are not an all-Ireland party. The SDLP is not an all-Ireland party the way Sinn Fein is. When you are a Nationalist party, if a united Ireland was achieved then you would technically vote your party out of existence. The SDLP therefore linked up with Fianna Fail in the Republic of Ireland in the 2010 elections. This was an attempt to show Nationalist voters that they are a serious all-Ireland party and a vote for them would be a vote for a party aligned with the actual government of the Republic of Ireland. However, Nationalist voters were not convinced by the measures and still see Sinn Fein as the best way to achieve a united Ireland.
Finally, the SDLP have also appeared foolish in some of their decisions. Their appointment of lacklustre leaders fails to inspire. Damaging gaffes such as Alasdair McDonnell's opening speech on being elected, his failure to court the UUP into a joint approach and his defence of MLA's pay have only served to deepen divisions.
The SDLP have also been accused of poor policy decisions. Many have criticised the SDLP for their approach to austerity. Despite being linked to the British Labour party, they have signed up to the Stormont House agreement to implement the welfare reform act. There have also been controversies over the party’s opposition to abortion - which have drawn criticisms from doctors. They also seemed to play into the DUP's hands by not opposing the SPAD bill (Special advisors).
