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28/09/2009
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.
Ms Ritchie, the Stormont Social Development minister, said she has received encouragement from people within, and outside, the SDLP.
"I've had many people approach me within the party asking would I run, naturally I'm considering," she told the BBC.
"It's five months to the actual election at the beginning of February and about five to six weeks before nomination, but I shall be giving it consideration."
Following Mr Durkan's announcement last weekend, the SDLP executive has back his decision to resign following the party's conference in February.
The nomination process for a new leader will begin on November 1.
(PR/BMcC)
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.
Ms Ritchie, the Stormont Social Development minister, said she has received encouragement from people within, and outside, the SDLP.
"I've had many people approach me within the party asking would I run, naturally I'm considering," she told the BBC.
"It's five months to the actual election at the beginning of February and about five to six weeks before nomination, but I shall be giving it consideration."
Following Mr Durkan's announcement last weekend, the SDLP executive has back his decision to resign following the party's conference in February.
The nomination process for a new leader will begin on November 1.
(PR/BMcC)
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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.
23 September 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.
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.
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.
16 August 2010
SF Opposes Ritchie Calls For Police Primacy
Sinn Fein have condemned a nationalist call for the North's police to again run secret anti-terror operations. The party's policing spokesman was commenting in the wake of the SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie's news that she is seeking urgent meetings with both the Irish Republic's Taoiseach, Brian Cowen and the NIO Secretary of State Owen Paterson.
SF Opposes Ritchie Calls For Police Primacy
Sinn Fein have condemned a nationalist call for the North's police to again run secret anti-terror operations. The party's policing spokesman was commenting in the wake of the SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie's news that she is seeking urgent meetings with both the Irish Republic's Taoiseach, Brian Cowen and the NIO Secretary of State Owen Paterson.
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.
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