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11/11/2009
Ritchie Launches Leadership Bid
Margaret Richie has launched her SDLP leadership campaign, promising to rebuild the party.
Outlining her ambitions, 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.
"A genuinely shared society for every citizen. And in time, a united Ireland."
She continued: "We alone can deliver this vision. So we must make sure we are fit for purpose to deliver."
Ms Ritchie is the SDLP's only Executive minister, having taken office in May 2007.
She is also a South Down assembly member, and until recently served on Down District Council.
Ms Ritchie will battle current party leader Alasdair McDonnell for the post, which is being vacated by Mark Durkan.
Mr Durkan said he planned to stand down from the Assembly and as party leader to focus on his Parliamentary constituency work in Londonderry.
Nominations for the leadership opened on 1 November, and the vote will be held at the SDLP conference in February.
(PR/BMcC)
Outlining her ambitions, 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.
"A genuinely shared society for every citizen. And in time, a united Ireland."
She continued: "We alone can deliver this vision. So we must make sure we are fit for purpose to deliver."
Ms Ritchie is the SDLP's only Executive minister, having taken office in May 2007.
She is also a South Down assembly member, and until recently served on Down District Council.
Ms Ritchie will battle current party leader Alasdair McDonnell for the post, which is being vacated by Mark Durkan.
Mr Durkan said he planned to stand down from the Assembly and as party leader to focus on his Parliamentary constituency work in Londonderry.
Nominations for the leadership opened on 1 November, and the vote will be held at the SDLP conference in February.
(PR/BMcC)
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