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Ritchie will accept South Down nomination

SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie MLA has paid tribute to Eddie McGrady on his decision to step down as MP for South Down after 23 years.

Fri 26th February

The South Down Assembly Member also announced that she is willing to accept the party's nomination as his replacement in the forthcoming general election.

 

Ms Ritchie said: "My great friend and mentor Eddie McGrady has decided to step down from public office after almost 50 years service - 23 of which have been as MP for South Down.

 

"As someone who has worked closely with Eddie for many years, I would like to offer my personal thanks for everything he has done for me but also to pay tribute to him on behalf of the SDLP.

 

"Eddie has been a giant figure in Irish politics and thousands of people have better lives today as a direct result of his work over the years.

 

"Eddie will continue to serve our party in a less public role and I am delighted that we will be able to continue to be able to draw on his wisdom and judgement.

 

"But as Eddie said yesterday, we are now entering a new phase of politics and a lot more change lies ahead.

 

"The party members in South Down will ultimately decided Eddie's successor. However, if I am nominated by the members I will gladly accept their nomination. I am, after all, here to serve.

 

"If nominated, selected and elected I will appoint one of my SDLP colleagues to the position of Social Development Minister and I will only personally accept one salary."

Margaret Ritchie

Margaret Ritchie MP, Westminster

Email m.ritchie@sdlp.ie
Tel 028 4461 2882

Press Office

Tel 028 90 52 1837

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