SDLP leader reflects on ‘sad day for nationalism’

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is reflecting on a disastrous General Election for his party, after losing all three sitting MPs.

The loss of Mark Durkan in the traditional SDLP stronghold of Foyle will mark a particular blow for the SDLP, but they also lost seats for veteran politicians Margaret Ritchie and Alasdair McDonnell.

“There’s no denying this is a very difficult day – we feel it, we feel it sorely,” he said.

“But I think the people of our constituencies will feel it as well because, for the first time in decades, there’s now no Irish nationalist voice in Westminster.

“I think it’s a very sad day – especially at this time, with very tight margins in the House of Commons and Brexit coming down the track.”

Mr Eastwood added that the party would have to pick itself up after the defeats.

“I think the public have to think about this as well,” he added.

“Do we really want a situation where the DUP are our representatives in Westminster? Do we really want a situation where we keep having elections and we still don’t have a government?

“I’m not sure that’s good for anyone.”

The SDLP leader also confirmed that concerns had been raised with authorities over proxy votes.

He further said that, while he was open to an internal party conversation on the issue of his leadership, he was “in it for the long haul”.