SDLP Go Into Opposition

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has announced that the party will go into opposition.

Earlier, the First and Deputy First Minister accused the SDLP of being "dishonest" during Stormont's programme for government negotiations.

It followed Colum Eastwood saying he was "very disappointed" over the talks.

The various parties have been meeting for talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive.

Colum Eastwood Is Elected Leader Of The SDLP

SDLP Minister Bans Fracking In The Six Counties

SDLP minister Mark H Durkan has banned fracking in the Six Counties.
The move has been warmly welcomed by environmentalist's.

Three Cheers For The SDLP

The SDLP has voted against adjournment.Thursday’s motion was supported by 46 votes from two parties - the DUP and Alliance - and voted against by three parties - the SDLP, Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionist Party - representing 54 votes.

The Truth Hurts

Doctor Alasdair McDonnell has called the DUP bigots in the House Of Commons. This is true as far as most people who don't vote DUP are concerned. When it comes to bigotry they leave most people cold.The SDLP leader has hit the nail on the head and should not be apologizing to anybody least of all a little guttersnipe like Jeffrey Donaldson. Well done to Doctor McDonnell for pointing out the facts when it comes to the DUP. Maybe if more people treated the DUP as the enemy instead of sucking up to them constantly Irish Nationalism would be in better shape in the North.

SDLP Turn Down Pay Rise

The SDLP MLA's at Stormont have turned down a £5,000 pay increase. They are the only party to do so. All the other parties excepted it bringing their MLA's salaries up to £48,000 a year.

The SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has told the Nolan Show: "Actions speak louder than words and we have all refused to take it.

"In this undoubted time of austerity where you have people in work facing pay freezes, pay cuts and pay-offs and then people out of work, and with disabilities, facing cuts to their benefits, it's completely unjustifiable, in my opinion, for elected representatives to take a pay rise."

Mr Durkan said the independent panel that recommended the pay increase was "not only unaware of the public mood but also completely oblivious to the public need".

The SDLP Support A Border Poll In The North

SDLP leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell has welcomed calls for a border poll. “The SDLP first mooted the idea of a border poll on a united Ireland in 2003 and we firmly believe that any such poll would re-affirm the right of people across the island to self-determination which is a fundamental tenet of the Good Friday Agreement,” he said. “We welcome the opportunity for the will of the people of Ireland to be tested regarding the important issue of national identity and reunification. Since our party was founded in 1970 it has dedicated itself to bringing about a united Ireland in a solely peaceful way. “The real challenge in such a poll would be to formalise a specific proposition for those that wish to see a united Ireland and this must be grounded in an economic and social reality. “There is currently a lack of serious debate about what a new Ireland would look like. I believe the time has come for a robust debate around the issue. That will require an appreciation of what the new Ireland will look like and perhaps include a new nation with a new constitution. Indeed, there is an opportunity in the constitutional convention [in the Republic] to see what that new Ireland may look like. “Many people will question the timing of Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams’ remarks about a border poll, given the current unrest in the North. At this very difficult time we need to recognise that mutual respect, dealing with the past and also meaningful reconciliation is the only way to build a prosperous future for everyone on this island.” The SDLP leader added: “All parties must rise above selfish party interest when advocating reunification. “The SDLP are committed to seeing a united Ireland but this is underlined by a real need to engage in debate about what the new Ireland will look like and how we can deliver that for the good of all our citizens.”

SDLP MLA Gets Sent A Bullet In The Post

The SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has been sent a bullet in the post. Mr McGlone said: "This is obviously not something that is a pleasant experience, for me or my family, however, those who sent it will not put me off doing my job, that is representing the people of Mid Ulster. "I would like to pay tribute to the staff at the Post Office and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) for their professionalism and vigilance in dealing with this matter."

Rising Star

Conall McDevitt should be the next leader of the SDLP. This young man should seize the chance and throw his hat in the ring for party leader. He is smart and well capable of leading a party  in real need of  leadership. Conall was born in Dublin 39 years ago today but grew up in Spain. This man of all the talents in this 24/7 media age could really mix it up with the SDLP's political opposition. Margaret Ritchie is not good enough to be party leader. In the recent Wikileaks leaks only Conall comes out of it smelling of roses.  So Happy Birthday Conall and now do the decent thing and save your political party from the political dustbin of history.

Justin McCamphill Is The Man To Vote For In East Antrim

Justin McCamphill is the man to vote for in East Antrim. He is seen by many as a future SDLP party leader. He is a school teacher and active in the Trade Union movement. So give this bright young fellow your vote on May 5th. He also sits on
the SDLP party executive. Give this Glensman your full support.S

Vote For Liam Logan In Bangor West

Liam Logan is the SDLP candidate in Bangor West. Thanks to changing Demographics in North Down he is in with a chance of a seat on North Down Council.If he manages it he will be the first Irish Nationalist elected to that Council.So get out there and vote for him this time. Liam is a expert on Ulster-Scots and is well known because of his work in the media. He is a good family man. Liam works in the Health service.So vote Liam Logan on May 5th. You know it makes sense.

Vote for Joe Boyle Of The SDLP In Strangford

Joe Boyle is a hardworking Businessman standing for MLA in Strangford. He is also a good family man who will make a  cracking MLA. He is also well known in local GAA circles. We need more people like Joe elected to political office. So vote For Joe Boyle on May 5th in Strangford you know it makes sense.

Maggie Ritchie Not As Bad As Usual

Last nights UTV debate between the leaders of the main parties here wasn't to bad. Peter Robinson managed to put all his family problems behind him. Martin came over well as a potential First Minister in waiting. And Maggie Ritchie was as good as Maggie Ritchie is likely to get. David Ford dropped a major clanger with water charges. The spat between Tom Elliott and Peter Robinson shows Unionist Unity is very much a long way off. Lets hope in two weeks time when all the votes are counted we get a good result.

Why Magdalena Wolska Deserves Our Support

I don't normally vote SDLP but if I had a vote in East Belfast I would vote for Magdalena Wolska as MLA. This bright young woman is not originally from this country she is from Poland. She comes from a family who made a brave stand against Communism as part of the Solidarity trade union movement. She is also running as a candidate in the Victoria ward for Belfast City Council. So good luck to her and I hope many people get out and vote for her on May 5th.

Denis O'Brien And The SDLP

It seems that Fine Gael are not the only party to take money from the Billionaire Businessman Denis O'Brien. The SDLP have also taken a sum of cash from him in order to help set up a New York office. And he also attended a SDLP Business Breakfast in Belfast.

www.independent.ie/national-news/obrien-funds-to-aid-sdlps-new-ny-offices-91611.html

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/opinion/talking-shop-allireland-economy-childs-play-to-sdlp-13410154.html