Claire Hanna, the newly appointed leader of the SDLP, has addressed her party’s conference in Belfast, arguing that the current circumstances are confining and that a united Ireland could pave the way towards a fairer, wealthier society with a focus on reconciliation. In her inaugural address as the SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast, she presented her view that a novel Ireland provides a social democratic route towards an improved system while pledging to cultivate the growth of the SDLP.
She touched on the significance of establishing a fully functioning devolved government in Stormont, but stressed that such a government was only part of the SDLP’s aspirations. She pledged to do everything in her capacity to ensure the effective functioning of Stormont, while dismissing the notion that this was the best possible outcome.
Ms Hanna received high praise and enthusiastic applause as she assumed the leadership role. Numerous delegates emphasized their optimism towards her and pointed out the crowd-filled room, which was noticeably larger than those attending the UUP and DUP conferences. They also highlighted the diversity in terms of age and gender among the attendees, in contrast to the stereotypical conference audiences of middle-aged men in grey suits.
Jon Tonge, a Professor of Politics from the University of Liverpool, noted that there was extensive goodwill towards Hanna, observing that it has been a while since the SDLP found itself free of internal enemies. However, he also raised the question of whether the event was more about Hanna or the SDLP, urging the party to successfully merge the two aspects.
Addressing her followers, the new leader stressed the importance of diligently building relationships within the region, between North and South, as well as between Britain and Ireland. She noted that the journey matters as much as the destination, indicating that the path to achieving their goals will significantly shape the end result.
Ms. Hanna declared that while the introduction of a new Ireland doesn’t serve as a miraculous solution, it definitely guides us towards a unified and energetic market. She believes it brings us back into the European essence, favouring arts, endorsing a modern foreign policy and offering us an authentic say in our direction. She affirmed her fascination of the Republic of Ireland’s progress and alterations in the past 20 years, describing it as enriching. The country, being an economic triumph, a global positive influence, and an authentic cultural heavyweight was something she desired for everyone.
Despite initially experiencing unease, the core intention of this shift is basically to unify the region’s population, with their unique traits and plurality, to create something novel. She added that the emergence of a new Ireland implies a transformation in Northern Ireland too. This change implies taking initiatives to alter lives before the border vote. It still definitely involves challenging our mental boundaries as she put.
Addressing the electoral challenges the SDLP faces, she admitted that the party had been rather stagnant since the Belfast Agreement in 1998. She confessed that they had been unsure of their identity, letting others construct their narratives. However she added with a note of optimism, “Our pride in our past is justified, but SDLP’s focus is primarily on the present and onwards. From this moment, our conversation is about our future.”
The outgoing leader and Foyle MP Mr. Colum Eastwood expressed pleasure and motivation for his successor in his farewell speech. Mr. Eastwood disclosed his intention for retirement after nearly a decade as a leader at the party conference. Yet, he will sustain his duties as an MP and continue collaborating with the party’s New Ireland Commission. Eastwood also acknowledged the party’s “lessened electoral condition”. Nonetheless, he maintained optimistic belief in the party’s unique role in moving towards constitutional revolution, stating confidently “Our party is fully equipped to appeal to the middle ground. Our history, legacy and credibility empower us to convince those in a dilemma. We’ve consistently been about constructing a shared domicile for each individual on this island.”