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Durkan makes last leader address Durkan makes last leader address
(30 minutes later)
Mark Durkan has delivered his final address to the SDLP as party leader at its annual conference in Newcastle, County Down.Mark Durkan has delivered his final address to the SDLP as party leader at its annual conference in Newcastle, County Down.
The conference also heard from the two leadership candidates Alasdair McDonnell and Margaret Ritchie.The conference also heard from the two leadership candidates Alasdair McDonnell and Margaret Ritchie.
Mr Durkan will stay on as the MP for Foyle.Mr Durkan will stay on as the MP for Foyle.
He attacked Sinn Fein for agreeing the the appointment of a justice minister being made outside d'Hondt system of proportional representation. He attacked Sinn Fein for agreeing the appointment of a justice minister being made outside d'Hondt system of proportional representation.
"Changing the rules to deny a due outcome, to discriminate against a nationalist party and confer patronage and undue power on a pro-union party used to be called gerrymandering," he said."Changing the rules to deny a due outcome, to discriminate against a nationalist party and confer patronage and undue power on a pro-union party used to be called gerrymandering," he said.
"Today Sinn Fein call it "historic progress" and "the best agreement of all". He said today Sinn Fein now called it "historic progress," and "the best agreement of all".
Mr Durkan's decision to step down, after eight years as leader, has triggered a contest between the party's only Stormont minister Mrs Ritchie and Mr Durkan's deputy leader, Mr McDonnell. Mr Durkan's decision to step down, after eight years as leader, has triggered a contest between the party's only Stormont minister, Mrs Ritchie, and Mr Durkan's deputy leader, Mr McDonnell.
Around 400 delegates are eligible to vote in the leadership election.Around 400 delegates are eligible to vote in the leadership election.
Voting began on Friday night and closes 1800 GMT, with the winner expected to be announced at noon on Sunday.Voting began on Friday night and closes 1800 GMT, with the winner expected to be announced at noon on Sunday.