SDLP leadership contest

The SDLP faces its second leadership campaign in two years, with Margaret Ritchie announcing that she will not defend her position when her colleagues go head-to-head at the party’s annual conference. It takes place on 4-6 November, at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Mid Ulster MLA and deputy leader Patsy McGlone was the first to contest Ritchie’s leadership, announcing his decision in August. On the closing date for nominations, Friday 16 September, McGlone had received ten nominations, Alex Attwood (West Belfast) had seven, Alasdair McDonnell (South Belfast) had eight and Conall McDevitt (South Belfast) had six.

Maragaret Ritchie beat Alasdair McDonnell by 222 votes to 187 to succeed Mark Durkan as leader in February 2010. She was elected to the South Down seat, previously held by Eddie McGrady in the 2010 general election and the party retained its other two Westminister seats.

However, the loss of two seats in the Assembly elections and Ritchie’s decision to appoint Alex Attwood instead of the deputy leader to the party’s only ministry prompted McGlone’s move.

Ritchie’s case was not helped by the Wikileaks revelation in June that US Consul General Kamala Lakhdhir had described her as “wooden” and burdened with “an unpleasant public speaking voice.” In addition, the diplomat wrote that the party was “spooked” into electing Ritchie due to fears that, under McDonnell, Fianna Fáil could make in-roads in pro-SDLP areas.

The SDLP now has 14 Assembly seats, the UUP has 16, Sinn Féin 29 and the DUP 38.

Announcing his candidacy in August, McGlone, who represents the rural conservative voters, said: “The SDLP has revolutionised Irish politics.”

He added: “The founding principles of the party are as relevant today as they were during the civil rights campaign. The unity of the people of Ireland, a unity built on trust, along with practical social democracy – being there for people through the good and bad times – lie at the heart of every SDLP member and supporter.” The three strategic elements needed when moving forward were: “strong leadership, clarity of message and radically improved grassroots organisation.”

The youngest of the four, McDevitt, aged 39, said: “There is an undoubted mood for real change throughout the party.”

He said he would outline a vision for “a strong, dynamic and progressive party which can reconnect with the many who are currently disillusioned with politics, and one which speaks to the hopes, ambitions and dreams of everyone in this region and our island.”

Alasdair McDonnell has said that the SDLP needs radical change if it is to survive. “We are beyond tinkering, it is time to get to work and introduce the changes necessary to build a successful future for the SDLP,” he commented.

“We are going to have to take the SDLP apart and put it back together in a shape and form which is fit for political purpose in the 21st century.”

Alex Attwood is yet to publically comment on his decision.

All four candidates were contacted by agendaNi but declined to comment.

Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood and Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly have announced they will stand in the contest for the party’s deputy leadership.