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16/11/2015
Colum Eastwood New Leader Of SDLP
Colum Eastwood has been voted to be the new leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
Mr Eastwood defeated Dr Alasdair McDonnell in a vote at the party's annual conference at Armagh City Hotel. He is the youngest ever leader of the SDLP and he won leadership with 172 votes to 133.
The former mayor of L'Derry was elected to the Stormont Assembly four years ago.
Mr Eastwood said: "I am delighted to have been elected to lead the SDLP into what will become a new era of electoral success and renewed commitment to the principles of equality, democracy and progressive politics.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped me during this campaign and to all of our members. I would also like to give recognition to Alasdair whose years of deication and tireless service will ong be remembered. The positive nature of this contest shows the very best of the SDLP in our commitment to transparent and rigorous democracy. Now is the time for us to unite the party, unite the North and unite Ireland
"As a party we have come far and achieved much and now is the time for us to make history again, to take the momentum of this leadership election into next year and make significant gains in the Assembly election. Only then will people have a party in Stormont who has their best interests at heart with the power to change this place for the better."
Tanaiste Joan Burton said: "I want to congratulate Colum Eastwood on his election as the new Leader of the SDLP.
"Colum represents a new generation within the SDLP, one that has emerged in an era after the signing of The Good Friday Agreement.
"He will bring vigour and new thinking to the role and I wish him well for the future.
"The Labour Party values our relationship with the SDLP as sister parties. I look forward to continuing that relationship under Colum's leadership.
"I also want to acknowledge the contribution of Alasdair McDonnell during his term as SDLP leader. I know that he will continue his work in Westminster."
(CD/JP)
Mr Eastwood defeated Dr Alasdair McDonnell in a vote at the party's annual conference at Armagh City Hotel. He is the youngest ever leader of the SDLP and he won leadership with 172 votes to 133.
The former mayor of L'Derry was elected to the Stormont Assembly four years ago.
Mr Eastwood said: "I am delighted to have been elected to lead the SDLP into what will become a new era of electoral success and renewed commitment to the principles of equality, democracy and progressive politics.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped me during this campaign and to all of our members. I would also like to give recognition to Alasdair whose years of deication and tireless service will ong be remembered. The positive nature of this contest shows the very best of the SDLP in our commitment to transparent and rigorous democracy. Now is the time for us to unite the party, unite the North and unite Ireland
"As a party we have come far and achieved much and now is the time for us to make history again, to take the momentum of this leadership election into next year and make significant gains in the Assembly election. Only then will people have a party in Stormont who has their best interests at heart with the power to change this place for the better."
Tanaiste Joan Burton said: "I want to congratulate Colum Eastwood on his election as the new Leader of the SDLP.
"Colum represents a new generation within the SDLP, one that has emerged in an era after the signing of The Good Friday Agreement.
"He will bring vigour and new thinking to the role and I wish him well for the future.
"The Labour Party values our relationship with the SDLP as sister parties. I look forward to continuing that relationship under Colum's leadership.
"I also want to acknowledge the contribution of Alasdair McDonnell during his term as SDLP leader. I know that he will continue his work in Westminster."
(CD/JP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
