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Durkan steps down as SDLP leader

Mark Durkan gave an impressive farewell speech at his party conference as he stepped down as SDLP leader. By Ciaran Farrell - 08/02/10

In an emotional address he retraced the party’s history, its adherence to non violence and its hopes for a central role in a peaceful future.

As well as serious reflections on politics, however, there was light-hearted banter at the expense of his opponents, particularly the unionist parties.

He mentioned the UUP's on/off relationship with the Tories, DUP and Orange Order.

Speaking about the upcoming General Election, he asked voters if they could rely on the DUP to keep manifesto pledges, warning that "a vote for Sinn Fein is not just a vote for empty seats...but more leverage for Unionists in a hung or tight Parliament".

"If you want to vote for all sorts of change, vote Alliance," he added. "They have shown that there is nothing they cannot change - about themselves, if they think there's a job in it.

"If you don't want to back change, but instead to change back - you've got the TUV. Jim Allister - the man who takes all the 'fun' out of fundamentalist.

"Or you could vote for the Ulster Unionists. They have certainly become interesting and are making the news again. But only because they seem to be lining up more partners than Tiger Woods."