Claire Hanna has recently revealed her ambitions to take on the leadership of Northern Ireland’s SDLP, expressing that the challenge feels daunting. Hanna, aged 44, who was born in Galway, serves as the MP for South Belfast and Mid Down and is considered one of the SDLP’s most proficient officials and a valuable electoral resource. She managed to secure a notable re-election to her Westminster seat just two months ago – a feat current party leader Colum Eastwood was unable to replicate in this year’s general election when he retained his seat in Foyle.
When Eastwood stepped down as leader, Hanna was among his endorsements for the position, with additional backing from SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole, who is thought of as the other probable contender for the position. While Hanna has been compared to Eastwood for their contemporary, progressive stances on social matters, party insiders suggest her unique quality lies in her ability to connect with individuals beyond the SDLP. One insider commented, “Though Colum presented the SDLP as a diverse nationalist entity, he often appeared rather nationalist. Claire’s united Ireland discussion seems to have a broader appeal.”
Hanna has demonstrated a strong propensity for organisation and has accrued a significant personal vote, particularly notable during her election campaign. Those involved with her campaign have remarked on her ability to mobilise a large volunteer force, with more than 100 people aiding her team. They were even able to distribute some of their canvassing forces to other constituencies.
Hanna’s capabilities may be the needed lifeline to recover the SDLP’s lost votes to Sinn Féin and the centrist Alliance Party over the last half-decade. One seasoned party member described her situation as a “difficult task ahead, but she is their sole chance of survival”.
Hanna, herself, recognized and openly admitted earlier this week, that the party’s influence has “diminished”, resulting in several supporters “not hearing from the SDLP for quite some time” – a situation she’s determined to rectify.
There’s been gripes regarding Eastwood’s invisibility in constituencies that were formerly dominated by the SDLP but are now under Sinn Féin.
Assuming Hanna gets the official nod as the SDLP’s leader at the impending party assembly the following month – with the nomination deadlines by the end of this week – her task will be to inspire and stimulate her supporters in those critical regions.
A seasoned campaign planner stated: “To send a clear message that we are still around to the Shinners, we should establish a presence in areas such as West Tyrone, South Armagh, and West Belfast. This affirms that you’re here to stay.”