SDLP party conference at St Columb's Hall tomorrow

The event will be broadcast live on BBC 2 Nothern Ireland between 8-9pm from the chosen venue which is St Columb’s Hall.

Speaking in advance of the one day conference, Mr Eastwood said the conference will be used to launch a a new alternative for the upcoming election.

“It is difficult to overstate the profound effect that Derry and its people have had on shaping our society. people like John Hume and Ivan Cooper showed a generation of Irish people a vision of a New North based on respect for difference and the primacy of human rights. Against the greatest adversity they succeeded.

“We must accept the responsibility that was entrusted to us by those who achieved peace. Too long have our institutions been misused by those who had no hand in building them. The same people will pit our communities against each other in May, they will tell them that their hopes are unattainable and that this is the best we can do. Our democracy is better than that and our people deserve better than that.

“We will recognise the legacy of this city by starting a new movement at the heart of Derry. A movement that will offer our young people a future at home and not overseas. One that will articulate a clear way forward four our ailing health service.

“It will create the framework for a United Ireland and persuade people for reunification.

“A movement that will realise the promise of the peace process.

“That is what we will be launching on Saturday and that is the alternative on offer in the upcoming election. I am proud that this year the SDLP Conference will be returning to Derry.”

Special guests to conference will include, Geraldine Hanna (Victim SupportNI), Olwen Lyner (Chief Executive of NIACRO), Glyn Roberts (NIIRTA), Paul Gosling (Broadcaster and Journalist), Professor Joe O’Sullivan (QUB).