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New SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie aims to be Northern Ireland's First Minister Minister
Monday, 8 February 2010
enlargeNew SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie has vowed to restore her party to its former glory and has set her sights on the top job in Northern Ireland politics.
The Social Development Minister defeated South Belfast MP and former deputy leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell for the role following a vote at the party’s annual conference at the weekend.
Ms Ritchie takes on the leadership of the SDLP at a crucial time in Northern Ireland following the agreement by the DUP and Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice powers.
The SDLP, along with the Ulster Unionists, are known to be unhappy about the possibility of the Alliance Party taking up the justice ministry and have accused the two largest parties of “gerrymandering” the selection.
How Margaret Ritchie handles the delicate negotiations over justice devolution are likely to present the first major challenge of her leadership. Former leader, Foyle MP Mark Durkan, stepped down from the role after nine years at the helm.
Following her selection as the first woman to lead the nationalist party in its 40-year history, the South Down MLA marked the historic moment by setting herself and her party an ambitious target.
She told the conference in Newcastle yesterday that she wanted the party to “rise again” and that she wanted to be First Minister.
“I intend to rally the party around a vision that shows how we are different and better than our opponents,” she said.
“I have a serious organisational plan and agenda for change that will make us stronger. I want to bring new people in and I want to give everyone a fair chance to succeed.
“I will lead a party that recognises and rewards performance and teamwork. I want to work with people who, like me, will put the party first.
“Together we can do this and put our party back on top and for the sake of the people of the north we must put our party back on top.”
The race for SDLP leader was neck and neck with bookies placing both contenders with 5/6 odds.
However in the end Ms Ritchie won by 222 votes to 187. She is the first female leader of a major party in Northern Ireland.
Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone becomes the party's new deputy leader.
In her acceptance speech Ms Ritchie paid tribute to her party colleague Mr McDonnell and urged delegates to get behind efforts to make sure he retained his parliamentary seat.
“I would like to pay tribute to Alasdair McDonnell for we all know what a campaigner he is and we are all behind him as we seek to have him re-elected as MP for South Belfast,” she said.
Dr McDonnell in turn wished Ms Ritchie well in her new role and pledged to support her as she led the party into the future.
On Saturday, outgoing leader Mark Durkan used an emotional farewell speech to insist that while his party was central to ending the Troubles, it remained vital to building a new future for all.
He said the power-sharing government was being mismanaged by the DUP and Sinn Fein, while the scandal over MPs' expenses eroded public confidence in politicians.
“People are crying out for change — fed up with all the instability, frustrated by the lack of delivery, sceptical about more hype and spin,” he told delegates.
“We have to persuade them that the best antidote to DUP/Sinn Fein failure is a successful SDLP. Convince them that we offer a better way forward.
“That we are not just a party of deep principle, but of clear purpose and ready service as well. A real alternative with radical ambition.”
Among the first to congratulate Ms Ritchie on her new role was Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who attended the conference in Co Down.
He said: “In assuming the office of SDLP leader she follows in one of the most distinguished lines in Irish political history.
“I am sure she will continue that proud tradition into the future.
“I look forward to working with Margaret as we continue to work together for lasting peace and prosperity throughout Ireland.”
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward also congratulated the new SDLP leader and also paid tribute to the outgoing SDLP leader Mark Durkan, who is resigning as an MLA to concentrate on his role at Westminster.
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when is equal rights not equal when you try and join police,but sdlp says you can do that sometimes, do they have the franchise on this ,sorry but you lot are pathetic.
Posted by realist 2 | 10.02.10, 13:28 GMT
Ulysses 32 - I have read the policies and to be honest there is little difference between either party - as with the Unionist parties it largely boils down to personalities. Margaret Ritchie is sadly lacking in personality. Her performance on UTV last night was appalling - akin to a school-leaver going to their first job interview. Her achievements as a minister are equally lamentable, but that could be said of most of the Ministers.
Posted by curious | 09.02.10, 13:42 GMT
I would like to congratulate Ms Ritchie and wish her well, however I have met her in the past and found her to be unimpressive. I really cannot imagine that she has the substance to be a leader on the world stage. The SDLP could have prospered better with some fresh blood at the helm.
Posted by Andrea | 08.02.10, 19:44 GMT
One could ask the same thing about the plethora of unionist parties.
But then again, one could actually do some cursory research on the net, even by going to official websites, so as to ascertain the information you require.
Maybe, just maybe, you may acheive some form of enlightenment.
Posted by Ulysses32 | 08.02.10, 17:01 GMT
Dear Curious
The main difference between the policys of SDLP and SF are that they were all originally written by SDLP and then nicked wholesale by SF. As a follow on from this SDLP are the only ones that can implement them as they are the only ones that actually understand the background. SF mearly parrot them and have equally as much understanding of the topics as their feathered friends.
If ye want hype and very little follow though, vote SF. If you want the job done and done right, vote SDLP. Just look at how little SF have actually done for the people of NI (either Catholic or Protestant) with all their seats in the past 2.5 years.
Think its obvious which is the wasted vote Sean......
Posted by LondonLad | 08.02.10, 15:48 GMT
How refreshing to see someone who is a) Not a dinosaur b) Has never directly or indirectly killed anyone and c) has actually had a real job in their life in a position of power.
More of this please and best of luck to Ms. Ritchie.
Posted by BenjiBear | 08.02.10, 13:32 GMT
Wise up Margaret First Minister???? there is more chance of David Ford becoming First Minister !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Cllr William Walker | 08.02.10, 13:25 GMT
I just wish she could pronounce the word 'Executive'.
Posted by M Graham | 08.02.10, 13:21 GMT
sean any person who was none aggressive during the troubles should be congratulated,sinn fein encouraged people not to use the police or join them, they are responsible for the louts in our districts ,gandhi did not use violence and attained justice and peace,jesus also said turn the other cheek, you put yourself above the god you profess to worship,see how brave you are ,when your time to meet him comes.
Posted by liam | 08.02.10, 13:04 GMT
Would someone explain exactly what the difference is between SF and SDLP - both want a United Ireland, both claim to be socialist, both are pretty much conservative Catholic, their policies on health, education and business are pretty much the same. One used violence while the other emasculated the forces of law and order trying to deal with the violence. Aside from SDLP sitting in Westminster - whats the difference?.
Posted by Curious | 08.02.10, 11:52 GMT
I agree with Sean from Co Down, only from a unionist perspective, SDLP need to be careful because they needn't try to out "green" Sinn Fein" because Margaret kept calling Northern ireland the North of Ireland & there is no north of Ireland assembly, its the Northern Ireland Assembly
Posted by stephen | 08.02.10, 11:01 GMT
Great result! Good luck to Margaret and the SDLP. It is time we had decent politicians at the top of government
Posted by Claire | 08.02.10, 10:43 GMT
The point was made on BBC Hearts & Minds this week (quoting a blogger) that the SDLP leadership contest was like `two bald men fighting over a comb'......not making much difference either way.
As a unionist, I recognise the key role that the SDLP played throughout the period when SF preached (and practised) violence and hate as the legitimate way to secure nationalist goals.
I do wish Ritchie well, but wonder if they have a mountain to claim. They struggle to differentiate themselves now from SF, and do not have a clear message or identity. It will be a further blow to them if unionists get their act together in South Belfast!
Posted by Alex | 08.02.10, 10:32 GMT
Yea and pigs will fly. We all know that a vote for the SDLP is a wasted nationalist vote. They stuck their head in the sand during the troubles now they are trying to make a come back with their united Ireland speeches. Martin will be the next first minister.
Posted by sean from co down Ireland | 08.02.10, 06:09 GMT