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26/02/2010
SDLP MP To Stand Down
One of Northern Ireland's longest serving nationalist Members of Parliament has announced his retirement.
SDLP MP Eddie McGrady said he will not contest his South Down seat at the forthcoming General Election.
Mr McGrady, who has served as an MP since 1987, told a constituency council meeting in Newcastle that he would not be seeking the party’s nomination to stand again.
He said it has been a "great honour and privilege" to serve the people of Down for 50 years as councillor, Assembly member and MP.
"We are now entering a new phase of politics on this island, within the SDLP and throughout South Down," said Mr McGrady.
He said the party was embarking on a "new era of politics" under the leadership of Margaret Ritchie.
Ms Ritchie, an MLA for South Down and the Stormont Executive's Social Development Minister, is tipped to stand as the party's next Westminster candidate.
Mr McGrady has declined to give his public backing to any potential party nominee for the parliamentary seat, but said he would continue to work for the SDLP.
"I have every confidence the party in selecting my replacement, will choose wisely. I have spent 23 years as an MP representing all the people of South Down and democratic Irish Nationalism in the House of Commons," he said.
"We will face many big issues in the Westminster election. There is a possibility of a hung parliament while public spending cuts are a stark reality.
"The people of South Down know the value of electing an MP who will take their seat and work on their behalf."
Mr McGrady was first elected to parliament in 1987 beating incumbent Unionist MP Enoch Powell by a slim margin.
He has since faced down several contenders at the polls, including Sinn Fein Stormont minister Caitriona Ruane.
Mr McGrady, one of 11 siblings, was first elected to Downpatrick Urban Council in 1961.
The Downpatrick native - a chartered accountant - later joined the New Ireland Forum, and subsequently became an MLA. He has been the SDLP's chief whip in the Commons since 1988.
Earlier this year it was revealed the Commons' expenses watchdog ordered Mr McGrady to repay £14,000 in wrongful claims.
(PR/GK)
SDLP MP Eddie McGrady said he will not contest his South Down seat at the forthcoming General Election.
Mr McGrady, who has served as an MP since 1987, told a constituency council meeting in Newcastle that he would not be seeking the party’s nomination to stand again.
He said it has been a "great honour and privilege" to serve the people of Down for 50 years as councillor, Assembly member and MP.
"We are now entering a new phase of politics on this island, within the SDLP and throughout South Down," said Mr McGrady.
He said the party was embarking on a "new era of politics" under the leadership of Margaret Ritchie.
Ms Ritchie, an MLA for South Down and the Stormont Executive's Social Development Minister, is tipped to stand as the party's next Westminster candidate.
Mr McGrady has declined to give his public backing to any potential party nominee for the parliamentary seat, but said he would continue to work for the SDLP.
"I have every confidence the party in selecting my replacement, will choose wisely. I have spent 23 years as an MP representing all the people of South Down and democratic Irish Nationalism in the House of Commons," he said.
"We will face many big issues in the Westminster election. There is a possibility of a hung parliament while public spending cuts are a stark reality.
"The people of South Down know the value of electing an MP who will take their seat and work on their behalf."
Mr McGrady was first elected to parliament in 1987 beating incumbent Unionist MP Enoch Powell by a slim margin.
He has since faced down several contenders at the polls, including Sinn Fein Stormont minister Caitriona Ruane.
Mr McGrady, one of 11 siblings, was first elected to Downpatrick Urban Council in 1961.
The Downpatrick native - a chartered accountant - later joined the New Ireland Forum, and subsequently became an MLA. He has been the SDLP's chief whip in the Commons since 1988.
Earlier this year it was revealed the Commons' expenses watchdog ordered Mr McGrady to repay £14,000 in wrongful claims.
(PR/GK)
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