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01/03/2010
Richie's Bid For Parliament
SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie will seek her party's nomination to become MP for South Down.
Ms Ritchie, Stormont's Social Development Minister, made the announcement on the same day incumbent parliamentarian Eddie McGrady confirmed his retirement.
Speaking in Downpatrick on Friday, she paid tribute to Mr McGrady on his decision to step down following 50 years in politics.
The 51-year-old Assemblywoman said she is willing to accept the party's nomination as his replacement in the forthcoming general election.
Ms Ritchie said: "My great friend and mentor Eddie McGrady has decided to step down from public office after almost 50 years service - 23 of which have been as MP for South Down.
"As someone who has worked closely with Eddie for many years, I would like to offer my personal thanks for everything he has done for me but also to pay tribute to him on behalf of the SDLP.
"Eddie has been a giant figure in Irish politics and thousands of people have better lives today as a direct result of his work over the years."
She said Mr McGrady would continue to serve the SDLP in a less public role, drawing on his "wisdom and judgement".
"The party members in South Down will ultimately decided Eddie's successor. However, if I am nominated by the members I will gladly accept their nomination. I am, after all, here to serve," said Ms Ritchie.
"If nominated, selected and elected I will appoint one of my SDLP colleagues to the position of Social Development Minister and I will only personally accept one salary."
Ms Ritchie's predecessor, Mark Durkan, stood down as leader last month to concentrate on his Westminster constituency work in Foyle.
(PR/GK)
Ms Ritchie, Stormont's Social Development Minister, made the announcement on the same day incumbent parliamentarian Eddie McGrady confirmed his retirement.
Speaking in Downpatrick on Friday, she paid tribute to Mr McGrady on his decision to step down following 50 years in politics.
The 51-year-old Assemblywoman said she is willing to accept the party's nomination as his replacement in the forthcoming general election.
Ms Ritchie said: "My great friend and mentor Eddie McGrady has decided to step down from public office after almost 50 years service - 23 of which have been as MP for South Down.
"As someone who has worked closely with Eddie for many years, I would like to offer my personal thanks for everything he has done for me but also to pay tribute to him on behalf of the SDLP.
"Eddie has been a giant figure in Irish politics and thousands of people have better lives today as a direct result of his work over the years."
She said Mr McGrady would continue to serve the SDLP in a less public role, drawing on his "wisdom and judgement".
"The party members in South Down will ultimately decided Eddie's successor. However, if I am nominated by the members I will gladly accept their nomination. I am, after all, here to serve," said Ms Ritchie.
"If nominated, selected and elected I will appoint one of my SDLP colleagues to the position of Social Development Minister and I will only personally accept one salary."
Ms Ritchie's predecessor, Mark Durkan, stood down as leader last month to concentrate on his Westminster constituency work in Foyle.
(PR/GK)
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