Colum Eastwood has won the leadership of the SDLP, prising it from the control of Alistair McDonnell. This is very significant. One thing ironically which McDonnell was successful in doing was in changing the make up of the party. This meant attracting young people and more women. Colum Eastwood is a young and energetic choice. He is from the SDLP's traditional heartland - Derry. He was its youngest mayor at a point and was in charge when it received its UK City of Culture news and when the Saville report on Bloody Sunday was announced. He is considered to be on the 'Green wing' of the party and has been suggesting a progressive nationalism aiming more fervently at a united Ireland in the future and developing stronger north south links. His appointment may bring fresh vitality to the party or it could lead to some in fighting and internal division as more conservative forces react. His appointment was perhaps not surprising when considering the fact that he has the support of party stalwarts such as Seamus Mallon, Mark Durkan and John Humes wife Pat.
RSS Feed
