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09/09/2011
McGlone And McDowell Bid For SDLP Leadership
Two candidates have come forward with the view of taking leadership of the SDLP.
South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell has said he will make a formal decision next week on whether to step up. Meanwhile Deputy leader Pasty McGlone has confirmed his intention to run for the position.
Mr McGlone told the BBC he was "confident" he would win the leadership challenge.
"I would not have put my name forward otherwise," he added.
This follows news yesterday that SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie is stepping down.
Ms Ritchie replaced Mark Durkan as leader last year, narrowly defeating Mr McDonnell.
Her decision follows weeks of internal rumours over her intentions. Ms Ritchie came under pressure after the party lost two Assembly seats in May's elections.
The SDLP has already been eclipsed by Sinn Féin over the last decade as the main voice of nationalism.
The long-standing SDLP representative was criticised for her media performances, while party members also questioned the direction in which she had taken the party during her tenure.
Ms Ritchie has confirmed that she will not be seeking nominations for leadership.
She said: "The role of the party leader is all-consuming and I have decided that the best way I can serve the SDLP in the future is as MP for South Down, continuing to work for and serve those who have always been my first priority, the people of South Down."
Her successor will be announced at the party’s annual conference in November.
(LB/CD)
South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell has said he will make a formal decision next week on whether to step up. Meanwhile Deputy leader Pasty McGlone has confirmed his intention to run for the position.
Mr McGlone told the BBC he was "confident" he would win the leadership challenge.
"I would not have put my name forward otherwise," he added.
This follows news yesterday that SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie is stepping down.
Ms Ritchie replaced Mark Durkan as leader last year, narrowly defeating Mr McDonnell.
Her decision follows weeks of internal rumours over her intentions. Ms Ritchie came under pressure after the party lost two Assembly seats in May's elections.
The SDLP has already been eclipsed by Sinn Féin over the last decade as the main voice of nationalism.
The long-standing SDLP representative was criticised for her media performances, while party members also questioned the direction in which she had taken the party during her tenure.
Ms Ritchie has confirmed that she will not be seeking nominations for leadership.
She said: "The role of the party leader is all-consuming and I have decided that the best way I can serve the SDLP in the future is as MP for South Down, continuing to work for and serve those who have always been my first priority, the people of South Down."
Her successor will be announced at the party’s annual conference in November.
(LB/CD)
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