Voters will acknowledge the role the SDLP has played in the peace process in next year's Northern Ireland elections, party leader Mr Mark Durkan insisted today.
As the party prepares for a convention in Derry next week that will see a radical overhaul of its constitution ahead of the elections, Mr Durkan said the party would fight hard for Westminster and local government seats.
"There are four particular constituencies in Westminster - three of which we hold in Foyle, South Down Newry and Armagh; and another in South Belfast - where we will be marshalling a strong effort," he said.
"I think we have demonstrated the value of our three MPs - not just in the work they have done at Westminster but also in their constituency offices.
"I also think in the Westminster and local government elections, people will see the value in having a strong SDLP backbone in any nationalist representation.
"We have been a consistent force in the process. We do not duck, weave or dodge our responsibilities. We do not turn our policies inside out or our principles upside down," he said.
The SDLP has suffered a number of electoral setbacks in recent years falling behind Sinn Féin under Mr John Hume's leadership in the 2001 general and local government elections.
In last November's Assembly Election, Sinn Féin consolidated its position as the leading nationalist party with 24 Stormont seats while the SDLP saw its representation at Stormont fall to 18.
The SDLP is in danger of losing all its Westminster seats at the next general election including Mr Durkan's where a stiff challenge from Sinn Féin chairman Mr Mitchel McLaughlin is expected.
But the SDLP is targeting South Belfast as a possible gain, although this would require a significant split in the unionist vote. Party strategists hope their tough stance in negotiations on future power-sharing arrangements will reap rewards.
PA