Advertisement

Ex-SDLP leader Mark Durkan to be Fine Gael candidate in European elections

The former leader of Northern Ireland's SDLP party, Mark Durkan, is to run as a Fine Gael candida...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

16.03 4 Mar 2019


Share this article


Ex-SDLP leader Mark Durkan to...

Ex-SDLP leader Mark Durkan to be Fine Gael candidate in European elections

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

16.03 4 Mar 2019


Share this article


The former leader of Northern Ireland's SDLP party, Mark Durkan, is to run as a Fine Gael candidate in the European elections.

He will contest a seat in the Dublin constituency, alongside former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald.

Mr Durkan, who is from Derry, previously served as an SDLP MP in Westminster until he lost the Foyle seat in 2017.

Advertisement

Party Senator Neale Richmond said Mr Durkan was a "serious addition" to the Fine Gael family.

Mr Durkan left the SDLP in the wake of their partnership with Fianna Fáil.

Last month, the two parties called for parties across Ireland to form a Brexit alliance.

"The arithmetic in Westminster no longer allows us to leave anything to chance", they said.

"Brexit can only be stopped by actions, not words or placards.

"Extraordinary times call for more than ordinary measures.

"Together, pro-remain parties must agree and act upon a set of principles that ensure the protection of people across this island, from Derry to Cork.

"Together, the SDLP and Fianna Fáil agree that all pro-remain parties must recognise and invoke five core principles necessary to stave off the worst outcomes of Brexit".

The release was one of the first statements sent from the parties on a joint basis since they announced their partnership in late January.

The European elections will take place on Friday May 24th.


Share this article


Read more about

Dublin European Elections Fine Gael Frances Fitzgerald Mark Durkan Partnership With Fianna Fáil SDLP

Most Popular