Durkan to defend Hume's Westminster seat

The SDLP leader Mark Durkan was tonight chosen to defend his mentor Mr John Hume's Westminster seat at the next General Election…

The SDLP leader Mark Durkan was tonight chosen to defend his mentor Mr John Hume's Westminster seat at the next General Election.

The Foyle Assembly member was chosen at a selection convention in Derry and vowed to build on Mr Hume's record in the constituency.

"I am honoured to accept the SDLP Westminster nomination and determined to build on John Hume's first class record of delivery for Derry, its rural hinterland and all its people," he told colleagues.

"The SDLP is for Derry first. We measure success by the number of jobs we help create, the investment in public services we secure and the infrastructure we help build.

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"While we have achieved a lot, we have a lot more to do if we are to deliver the thriving, modern regional hub we all believe Derry can become. "As the North's second city, we have the right to demand nothing less than first class status - equal with everywhere else."

Mr Durkan said the SDLP would fight hard for more investment in Foyle's infrastructure - particularly along routes to Belfast and Dublin and the rail link with Belfast.