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21/09/2009
Speculation Over SDLP Leadership Contest
Senior ranking SDLP members are poised to battle it out for the party leadership, after Mark Durkan announced his intentions to stand down at the weekend.
Mr Durkan, who has led the North's nationalist party since 2001, said he would resign as leader and an MLA if reelected to the House of Commons at the next general election.
The Foyle MP said he would no longer work under a dual mandate.
Several high-profile names have been tipped to contest the leadership, including the party's only Executive minister Margaret Ritchie, former MEP candidate Alban Maginness and current deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell.
Mr Durkan has refused to give backing to any particular party member, promising an "orderly and sensible" selection process.
"I will be standing firmly behind all of my party colleagues in the future" he said.
"I will have a hugely important role to play in Westminster both for this constituency and for wider interests and issues. I will be doing that and doing it very proudly if I am elected by the people in Foyle."
The 49-year-old said it was always his plan to step aside before his 50th birthday in June.
Mr McDonnell's bid for the job may be hindered due to his current dual mandate at Westminster and Stormont.
It is believed South Down MP Eddie McGrady will defend his Parliamentary seat at the next general election.
It had been widely assumed Ms Ritchie was being groomed to replace Mr McGrady. However, this could now put her in the frame for the leadership role.
(PR/KMcA)
Mr Durkan, who has led the North's nationalist party since 2001, said he would resign as leader and an MLA if reelected to the House of Commons at the next general election.
The Foyle MP said he would no longer work under a dual mandate.
Several high-profile names have been tipped to contest the leadership, including the party's only Executive minister Margaret Ritchie, former MEP candidate Alban Maginness and current deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell.
Mr Durkan has refused to give backing to any particular party member, promising an "orderly and sensible" selection process.
"I will be standing firmly behind all of my party colleagues in the future" he said.
"I will have a hugely important role to play in Westminster both for this constituency and for wider interests and issues. I will be doing that and doing it very proudly if I am elected by the people in Foyle."
The 49-year-old said it was always his plan to step aside before his 50th birthday in June.
Mr McDonnell's bid for the job may be hindered due to his current dual mandate at Westminster and Stormont.
It is believed South Down MP Eddie McGrady will defend his Parliamentary seat at the next general election.
It had been widely assumed Ms Ritchie was being groomed to replace Mr McGrady. However, this could now put her in the frame for the leadership role.
(PR/KMcA)
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