Its electoral rival's abstentionist policy and the potential impact of a hard border were to the fore yesterday as the SDLP launched its Westminster manifesto.
Belfast's Crescent Arts Centre provided the backdrop for unveiling of party's latest policy document, a venue located in the heart of the constituency that former leader Alasdair McDonnell is seeking to retain on June 8.
The retired GP is defending a slender majority in South Belfast, with the nearest challenge coming from the DUP.
However, it is Sinn Féin and the republican party's continued abstention from Westminster that provided much of the focus of leader Colum Eastwood's speech.
The Foyle MLA said the possibility of a hung parliament meant "every seat and every vote comes into focus at this critical time".
"When we say we’ll stand against something, we do it – which is more than can be said for others," he said.
"I have a simple question for the abstentionist MPs – is there nothing more important to you than this one principle? Is there no cause worth fighting for more? Are there no people worth standing up for more?"
Mr Eastwood said his party had put pressure on the British government to ensure there is provision for the north to rejoin the EU in the event of a united Ireland.
He said that commitment had "made the prospect of a successful unity referendum much more possible".
"A unity referendum now has a much broader reach, offering us a return to the European Union as a sovereign country," the SDLP leader said.
"That’s the kind of progress that’s made by MPs who turn up for work, not just wine receptions and lobbying lunches."
But there is no pledge to hold a border poll in the SDLP manifesto. Nevertheless, during questioning from journalists, Mr Eastwood said his party supported a referendum – but not until after the Brexit negotiations have concluded.
"We think there's now a route for actually winning a border poll," he said.
"In terms of timescale, I think it would need to happen after Brexit when we see the dust settling."
The SDLP leader said the kind of united Ireland he wanted "was not where we have some sort of scorched earth policy".
"We've a vision for a united Ireland – it's not about beating anybody, it's not about one more push and we'll get there... we're thinking about building relationships and reconciling."
Mr Eastwood said his party's manifesto understood the "uncertainty and the insecurity" that Brexit had created.
"It is a manifesto that not only identifies the threats of Brexit and a Conservative majority at Westminster but offers a strong strategy to defend our interests by using the creative compromise of our past and reimagining our constitutional future," he said.
"In the middle of unstable political ground, our plan provides concrete affirmation to the decision taken by people here last June and the path that they have chosen."
Among the party's pledges outlined in the manifesto are a commitment to special EU status that would see continued freedom of movement for people, goods, services and capital.
