An internal review of the SDLP has concluded that the party is at serious risk from Sinn Fein electorally and needs to change its middle-class image, attract more young people, and modernise.
The SDLP's strategic review group conducted the report over an eight-month period.
Details of the review were disclosed on UTV Live last night. The document claimed the leadership had pursued a peace strategy at the expense of building the party's organisational structure. The SDLP's "pre-eminent position within constitutional nationalism has been eroded to the point where it is now a thing of the past". A talented membership and influence were considered strengths. However, weaknesses included poor discipline and inexperience in government.
The document recommended the SDLP attempt to attract more middle-class Protestant voters, particularly those currently supporting the Alliance Party. The biggest threat facing the SDLP was Sinn Fein's success and its impressive party machine.
The SDLP desperately needed modernising and had to attract more non-Catholic support, according to the document. However, it recognised that any changes to secure that could jeopardise core support to Sinn Fein.
The document accused the leadership of "not treating ordinary members with sufficient respect". It was not enough for the leadership to support a document outlining change, it must be prepared to change itself and to endorse change "in every respect".
The party was "way behind" regarding image and needed a complete overhaul. The review considered a name change but instead recommended updating the SDLP's logo.
A major fund-raising drive was proposed with the top 1,000 companies in the Republic being asked for £4,000 a year and wealthy individuals also being targeted. Opening a Washington office was another suggestion.
SDLP deputy leader Mr Seamus Mallon said last night: "Any organisation which does not adapt to a changing environment will not survive. The SDLP has seized the initiative by engaging in a review of this nature which best prepares the party to meet the challenges the future holds."