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Gilmore congratulates Margaret Ritchie

Issued : Sunday 7 February, 2010

On behalf of the Labour Party I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Margaret Ritchie on her election as Leader of the SDLP.

Margaret has been an capable and innovative Minister for Social Development and I have no doubt that she will bring new energy and vigour to the Leadership of the SDLP.

At a time when Northern Ireland politics continues to be held back by regular crises and the poor relationship between the DUP and Sinn Fein, the need for a party like the SDLP with its commitment to inclusion and democracy has never been greater.

I look forward to continuing the strong relationship between the Labour Party and the SDLP that we enjoyed under the leadership of Mark Durkan.