Pledge: Durkan

The SDLP has called for a referendum on a united Ireland.

The party pledged that it would push for the poll during the lifetime of the next devolved assembly.

The pledge is just one commitment in the SDLP's manifesto for the elections to the Northern Assembly.

Speaking on Thursday the party's leader Mark Durkan said he would demand the referendum in the review of the Good Friday Agreement which follows the assembly elections.

The SDLP also pledged to oppose efforts to put MI5 in charge of intelligence gathering, arguing it must remain with Northern Ireland's police service.

It rejected calls from unionists for the scrapping of the 50:50 recruitment quotas for Catholics and Protestants joining the police.

The manifesto also contained commitments to campaign for Northern Ireland's entry to the euro and end the use of plastic bullets.

On core issues the SDLP promised to widen access to education and introduce free nursing and personal care for the elderly.

Like its political rivals, the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP also wants an international standard stadium.

"As a positively nationalist party, we make clear our commitment to achieving a united Ireland in which the key features, rights and protections of the agreement will endure," said Durkan.