20/09/2001

Four enter the race for SDLP deputy leadership

Four candidates have announced their intention to run for the soon to be vacated deputy leader position of the SDLP.

The position has become available following the resignation of Séamus Mallon on Tuesday.

Mr Denis Haughey, a junior minister in the Stormont Executive, announced on Thursday afternoon he would be standing in the contest for SDLP deputy leader.

The MLA for Mid Ulster said: "I believe I have the experience, the capacity and the energy to play a key role in our work to create a new Ireland and a renewed SDLP.”

Stormont Agriculture Minister Ms Bríd Rodgers also announced her candidacy. She said: “I have been a member of the SDLP from the very beginning. I have been a foot soldier, a councillor, a chairperson, an MLA and now Minister. The members know me and I know them. I ask for their support so that a new leadership may continue with the building of a new Ireland, the foundations of which were laid by the leadership of John Hume and Séamus Mallon.”

Also on Thursday Sean Farren officially announced his intention to run for the post of Deputy leader of the SDLP. Speaking in Ballycastle he said: “I believe that my long experience of the party, my proven ability and commitment will ensure that the SDLP continues to be a dominant force in Irish politics.”

Former Belfast lord mayor and North Belfast MLA Mr Alban Maginness, who represents the fourth candidate, announced on Tuesday night his intention to run for the post.

Meanwhile, all the signs are pointing to Mark Durkan, the 41-year-old Stormont Finance Minister, having a clear run for the leadership at the SDLP's annual conference on November 9th. The leader of the SDLP John Hume announced he was relinquishing the reins of the party after more than thirty years on Monday September 17. (AMcE)

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