Menu
23/09/2009
SDLP Leader Wades Into Lisbon Debate
The leader of the SDLP is visiting Dublin today to discuss the Lisbon Treaty, writes Damien Whinnery.
Mark Durkan (pictured) and the party's Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell are leading a party delegation to Buswells Hotel in the capital this afternoon.
Alongside other 'Yes' supporters, including Dermot Ahern and fellow TDs Joe McHugh and Joe Costello, Mr Durkan is expected to say why a 'Yes' vote for the Lisbon Treaty is in the best interests of everyone in Ireland.
In a preview of this afternoon's speech released to www.build.ie today, Mr Durkan's will say that an Irish 'red light to Lisbon' could turn into a green light for a "British Tory wrecking ball in Europe".
"The stakes are much higher this time around. Despite what those who oppose the Treaty say, a 'No' vote this time is not a vote for the status quo," he said.
Mr Durkan said that the Irish people will "lose power, influence and money" in a 'No' vote scenario.
The SDLP Leader will say: "The North could lose much of the favour it has enjoyed, when our European partners are frustrated by an egregious British government and blame Irish votes for handing them such destructive vantage.
"The European experience has not just helped to fund peace; it has actually helped us to find peace.
"Our peace is in Europe and our place is in Europe."
Mr Durkan's visit south comes only a day after it emerged that he intends to stand aside as SDLP party leader after the next Westminster election, which is expected around May next year.
Mr Durkan said he will defend his Foyle Westminster seat but does not believe he should continue to hold a dual mandate by also sitting in the Stormont Assembly.
(DW/BMcC)
Mark Durkan (pictured) and the party's Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell are leading a party delegation to Buswells Hotel in the capital this afternoon.
Alongside other 'Yes' supporters, including Dermot Ahern and fellow TDs Joe McHugh and Joe Costello, Mr Durkan is expected to say why a 'Yes' vote for the Lisbon Treaty is in the best interests of everyone in Ireland.
In a preview of this afternoon's speech released to www.build.ie today, Mr Durkan's will say that an Irish 'red light to Lisbon' could turn into a green light for a "British Tory wrecking ball in Europe".
"The stakes are much higher this time around. Despite what those who oppose the Treaty say, a 'No' vote this time is not a vote for the status quo," he said.
Mr Durkan said that the Irish people will "lose power, influence and money" in a 'No' vote scenario.
The SDLP Leader will say: "The North could lose much of the favour it has enjoyed, when our European partners are frustrated by an egregious British government and blame Irish votes for handing them such destructive vantage.
"The European experience has not just helped to fund peace; it has actually helped us to find peace.
"Our peace is in Europe and our place is in Europe."
Mr Durkan's visit south comes only a day after it emerged that he intends to stand aside as SDLP party leader after the next Westminster election, which is expected around May next year.
Mr Durkan said he will defend his Foyle Westminster seat but does not believe he should continue to hold a dual mandate by also sitting in the Stormont Assembly.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2010
Taoiseach Welcomes New SDLP Leader
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has welcomed Margaret Ritchie as the new leader of the SDLP. Yesterday, Ms Ritchie made history by becoming the first woman elected to lead the Social Democratic and Labour Party.
Taoiseach Welcomes New SDLP Leader
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has welcomed Margaret Ritchie as the new leader of the SDLP. Yesterday, Ms Ritchie made history by becoming the first woman elected to lead the Social Democratic and Labour Party.
11 November 2009
Ritchie Launches Leadership Bid
Margaret Richie has launched her SDLP leadership campaign, promising to rebuild the party. Outlining her ambitions this week, Ms Ritchie said her leadership would be bound by three pillars. She told supporters in Belfast these would centre on "a prosperous, increasingly independent economy that lifts the lives and wellbeing of all.
Ritchie Launches Leadership Bid
Margaret Richie has launched her SDLP leadership campaign, promising to rebuild the party. Outlining her ambitions this week, Ms Ritchie said her leadership would be bound by three pillars. She told supporters in Belfast these would centre on "a prosperous, increasingly independent economy that lifts the lives and wellbeing of all.
28 September 2009
Ritchie's Leadership 'Nod'
The SDLP's sole Executive minister could be set to stand as its new party leader. South Down MLA Margaret Richie said she is considering contesting the leadership battle next year. Incumbent leader Mark Durkan has already made his intentions to stand down clear. The Foyle MP said he would step aside to focus on Westminster work.
Ritchie's Leadership 'Nod'
The SDLP's sole Executive minister could be set to stand as its new party leader. South Down MLA Margaret Richie said she is considering contesting the leadership battle next year. Incumbent leader Mark Durkan has already made his intentions to stand down clear. The Foyle MP said he would step aside to focus on Westminster work.
15 April 2008
German Leader Asks Irish To Vote For Treaty
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, has pleaded with the Irish people to vote 'yes' in the upcoming Lisbon referendum. The German leader spoke during her visit to the Irish capital on Monday, meeting both Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.
German Leader Asks Irish To Vote For Treaty
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, has pleaded with the Irish people to vote 'yes' in the upcoming Lisbon referendum. The German leader spoke during her visit to the Irish capital on Monday, meeting both Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.
04 December 2009
Durkan Will Fight Foyle Seat
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan has been selected to contest his own Foyle parliamentary seat at the next UK general election. Mr Durkan, the sitting Westminster MP, said it would be "an honour and a challenge" to continue to represent the Derry constituency. He was proposed by leadership predecessor John Hume and seconded by Margaret Duffy.
Durkan Will Fight Foyle Seat
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan has been selected to contest his own Foyle parliamentary seat at the next UK general election. Mr Durkan, the sitting Westminster MP, said it would be "an honour and a challenge" to continue to represent the Derry constituency. He was proposed by leadership predecessor John Hume and seconded by Margaret Duffy.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
