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04/12/2009
Durkan Will Fight Foyle Seat
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan has been selected to contest his own Foyle parliamentary seat at the next general election.
Mr Durkan, the sitting Westminster MP, said it would be "an honour and a challenge" to continue to represent the Derry constituency.
He was proposed by leadership predecessor John Hume and seconded by Margaret Duffy.
Mr Durkan announced his plans to stand down from the helm of the SDLP in the autumn.
He said relinquishing the role would allow him to focus more on parliamentary work.
The 49-year-old will stay on as leader until the party's conference in February.
Two contenders are vying for the leadership - the party's only Executive minister Margaret Ritchie and deputy leader, south Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell.
Last night, Mr Durkan said: "Focusing on the MP role will enable me to spend more time working on North/South matters through the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement committee, on tackling the big challenges that Derry will face from Westminster.
"The SDLP is planning a strong grassroots campaign so that we secure the votes we need to continue to serve the people of this city though challenging times to better prospects."
(PR/BMcc)
Mr Durkan, the sitting Westminster MP, said it would be "an honour and a challenge" to continue to represent the Derry constituency.
He was proposed by leadership predecessor John Hume and seconded by Margaret Duffy.
Mr Durkan announced his plans to stand down from the helm of the SDLP in the autumn.
He said relinquishing the role would allow him to focus more on parliamentary work.
The 49-year-old will stay on as leader until the party's conference in February.
Two contenders are vying for the leadership - the party's only Executive minister Margaret Ritchie and deputy leader, south Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell.
Last night, Mr Durkan said: "Focusing on the MP role will enable me to spend more time working on North/South matters through the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement committee, on tackling the big challenges that Derry will face from Westminster.
"The SDLP is planning a strong grassroots campaign so that we secure the votes we need to continue to serve the people of this city though challenging times to better prospects."
(PR/BMcc)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
