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23/02/2004
McDonnell elected SDLP deputy leader
Dr Alasdair McDonnell is the SDLP's new deputy leader, it was announced yesterday.
Dr McDonnell beat Alban Maginnis and John Dallat to the position following a vote at the party's annual conference in Belfast on Sunday.
The 54-year-old south Belfast MLA succeeds Brid Rodgers who is stepping down.
Commenting on his success, he said: "I confronted the members with the problems we had in the party and they responded.
"I told them if they wanted me to try and tackle the problems, they could elect me.
"If they were half hearted about tackling the problems, they shouldn't bother voting for me. They voted for me."
Dr McDonnell confirmed that he would now be withdrawing as a candidate to succeed John Hume as an MEP.
(MB)
Dr McDonnell beat Alban Maginnis and John Dallat to the position following a vote at the party's annual conference in Belfast on Sunday.
The 54-year-old south Belfast MLA succeeds Brid Rodgers who is stepping down.
Commenting on his success, he said: "I confronted the members with the problems we had in the party and they responded.
"I told them if they wanted me to try and tackle the problems, they could elect me.
"If they were half hearted about tackling the problems, they shouldn't bother voting for me. They voted for me."
Dr McDonnell confirmed that he would now be withdrawing as a candidate to succeed John Hume as an MEP.
(MB)
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