Margaret Ritchie new leader of SDLP

[Keith-M]

This is a good idea - she is already Vice President. In many ways she would be a great successor - and bring more SF focus to on Dublin.

Except of course the people of Dublin hacve rejected her in the last two elections. Rumours around DC that we might have seen the last of her.

[Keith-M]

She's a non-entity but at least she'll be gainfully employed shuffling deckchairs for few years. McDonell must be disappointed, such a public slap in the face will not play well in SB.

[dotski_w_]

he's a non-entity but at least she'll be gainfully employed shuffling deckchairs for few years. McDonald must be disappointed, such a public slap in the face will not play well in SB.

You mean McDonnell I presume...

[inherit the deficit]

No-one really cares much now for SDLP which fondly remembers the glories of their past 30-40 years ago and offers nothing for tomorrow

[abitmoldy]

good luck

[riker1969]

What percentage of the vote does Sinn Fein get as opposed to SDLP?

I cant see a merger between these two parties for at least a decade. Why? Too many people will still recall the bloody murder the little Napoleons of the IRA caused . Don't get me wrong-I believe violence was inevitable in the North, just didn't have to be so prolonged.

[An Gilladaker]

This should encourage Mary Harney to take over the leadership in FF

[cricket]

For some reason, she ( Ritchie ) reminds me of Enda Kenny. I hope she has more substance than he does.

[irish_bob]

Nonsense.

Sinn Féin is staying left. Its all about redistribution from rich to poor, a better share of the cake.

how does that work , is it in essence a case of higher taxes and in turn , higher wellfare

[dazzler]

Nonsense.

Sinn Féin is staying left. Its all about redistribution from rich to poor, a better share of the cake.

They will never make inroads in the south unless they move from the left.