LEADER'S ADDRESS: Edited version of the speech by SDLP leader Mark Durkan at the party's annual conference on Saturday.
THE SDLP comes together, even under economic clouds, to renew our positive vision of a reconciled people living in a united, just and prosperous new Ireland.
To reaffirm our conviction that, far from being “mission accomplished” with the Good Friday agreement; this party’s mission is to keep narrowing the gap between what is and what ought to be. And to make this country the very best it can be.
The civil rights generation – the first SDLP generation – instilled in this party an abiding commitment to social justice, equality and rights for all.
They imbued us with an enduring ambition to make tomorrow better than today. Inspired by their example, powered by our principles, this Social Democratic and Labour Party is determined to ensure that future generations grow up in a landscape of ever-greater opportunity.
Deep in me is a belief in this party and the people in it. We have it in us to recapture lost votes and recover lost ground.
Starting with Europe. Every one of us has felt the loss of the SDLP seat. So now let’s all put our shoulder to the wheel to win that seat back in June.
In Alban Maginness, we have an outstanding candidate who will make an excellent MEP.
With no record in Europe to run on, the DUP and Sinn Féin might try to run on the devolution record they are spinning for themselves. We’ll be happy to meet them on that ground too.
Smug parties in a snug power pact. They might be getting ever more comfortable in their castle, but things are getting very uncomfortable for a lot of people.
Not content with preventing us from seizing the opportunity of more prosperous times, they then failed to meet the challenge of the credit crunch and its impact on us. For 154 days, they refused to allow the Executive to meet, as issues mounted and economic confidence dwindled.
These are the hallmarks of this DUP/Sinn Féin regime: stroke politics, gimmick government and petty power-play.
Each and every member of this party should be deeply proud that, in 2009, the SDLP isn’t just celebrating civil rights – we are defending civil and human rights as well. Not just of people here, but of people everywhere.
No matter where it is – in councils, in the Assembly, in the Executive, in North South, at Westminster or in Europe again – the SDLP always puts people first. We can look people in the eye and tell them: Your needs are our priority.
Your hopes are our purpose.
And our word is your promise.
Ireland’s best age has not gone. We must not turn in on ourselves or turn our backs on each other.
Patriotism should not mean trying to limit where we shop. It means putting no limits on the ambitions we have for each other and can pursue together.
Patriotism can be expressed in the value we put on our public services, the quality we invest them with and the equality they deliver.
Patriotism can be served in the promotion of enterprise and shared in the protection of our environment.
Patriotism must be enhanced through respect between traditions and extended through solidarity across generations.
It is not just found in a sense of nationhood; it should also be felt in the spirit of neighbourhood.
And best seen not in badges of identity, but in bonds of community.
In this time of difficulty and doubt, yet again, the SDLP answers the call of progress, justice and prosperity.
Our vision is clear.
Our stand is straight.
We are the Social Democratic and Labour Party.
Up to the challenges. Eager for change.
Showing purpose. Sharing hope. Shaping the future.
There to serve. Here to lead.
SDLP: Here for all.