Gilmore congratulates Margaret Ritchie
Issued : Sunday 7 February, 2010
Statement by Eamon Gilmore TD
Leader of the Labour Party, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade
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.
