SDLP members voting for Mr Durkan to represent the party at next May’s Westmiinster election. Photos: Stephen Latimer.
Sitting MP Mark Durkan has been selected by the SDLP in Derry to contest the Foyle constituency seat at next May’s Westminster election.
The 54-year-old was selected at a convention meeting of the party’s faithful in the Playhouse last night.
Mr Durkan signing the nomination papers at last night’s selection convention to contest next May’s general general election.
Among those in attendance was former SDLP leader, John Hume, whom Mr Durkan succeeded at Westminster.
Mr Durkan joined the SDLP in 1981, becoming the party’s chairperson in 1990 ahead of being elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998, becoming Minister for Finance, a position he held until 2001 when he replaced Seamus Mallon as Deputy First Minister.
He has successfully held the Foyle constituency seat since the 2005 general election, when he retained seat held by Mr Hume with 21.119 votes.
Four years later stood down as leader of the SDLP to concentrate on his parliamentary career.
Last month, Sinn Fein selected former Mayor of Derry, Gearóid O hEára, as their candidate in next May’s election.
Mr Durkan with his wife Jackie (right) and former SDLP leader John Hume and his wife, Pat, following his selection to contest next May’s general election.
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