'We're a party with radical ambitions'
Foyle MP Mark Durkan stepped down as the leader as the SDLP - a position he held for more than eight years - at the party's conference in Newcastle at the weekend.
Mr Durkan was emotional as he delivered his last speech as party leader to the conference on Saturday.
The Derry politician, who will now focus on defending his Foyle seat at the next Westminster general election, was given a standing ovation by delegates when he finished his speech in which he said his party had many dreams and was committed to realising them.
In his address, Mr Durkan said the SDLP did not get the credit it deserved.
"I won't pretend that the journey has always been easy," he said. "I don't deny or diminish the setbacks we have suffered. Nor will I forget all that we have achieved together – more than we get credit for and more, sometimes, than we give credit to ourselves," he said.
The Foyle MP also attacked Sinn Fin over their role in the Executive and said change was needed.
"People are crying out for change. 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."
Mr Durkan also predicted that the SDLP vote will increase in the forthcoming Westminster election.
"Now we look forward to the Westminster election. We remind ourselves that in the last such poll in 2005, we dramatically increased our vote from the previous year's European vote. With a strong record to run on and a positive agenda to push, we can better that achievement this year," he said.
The former party leader also warned nationalists against supporting Sinn Fin in the election.
"A vote for Sinn Fein is not just a vote for empty seats, but empty promises and empty gestures. Not to mention empty flats. But more leverage for Unionists in a hung or tight Parliament," he said.
Mr Durkan also paid tribute to his successor, margaret Ritchie, describing her as "the voice of the Executive."
Guile and guts
"When we needed someone with guile and guts to serve as our only Minister in the Executive, I knew Margaret was a capable choice. Margaret brings the best SDLP instincts to the heart of government. She is the voice of the people at that Executive table. The DUP and Sinn Fin may outnumber her. They may be able to outvote her. But they have yet to outmanoeuvre her," he said.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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