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SDLP names its man for Euro poll SDLP names its man for Euro poll
(about 4 hours later)
North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness will be the SDLP's candidate in the European elections next year, it has been announced.North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness will be the SDLP's candidate in the European elections next year, it has been announced.
The party has not had a representative in the European Parliament since John Hume stood down after 25 years in 2004. The party has not had a representative in the European Parliament since John Hume stood down after 25 years as an MEP in 2004.
It failed to take one of Northern Ireland's three seats in Strasbourg in that year's election.It failed to take one of Northern Ireland's three seats in Strasbourg in that year's election.
Former lord mayor of Belfast Martin Morgan, who has since left politics, was the party's candidate. Mr Maginness said he was confident of a good result.
"The SDLP has shown total commitment to the European ideal over many, many years," he said.
"We are the leading pro-European party and a member of the Party of European Socialists, which is one of the most powerful groups in the European Parliament and may well be the most powerful group in the European Parliament in 2009.
"This would be a tremendous political passport to power and influence in the European Union."
Former lord mayor of Belfast Martin Morgan, who has since left politics, was the party's candidate in 2004.