In policy terms observers might have noticed the first glimpse of clear blue water between the two candidates in the SDLP leadership on Inside Politics in an interview with South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell.
McDonnell said there was a growing body of opinion amongst party supporters arguing the SDLP should not accept being denied the Justice Ministry and instead should pull out of the executive.
Under Durkan’s leadership the party continually avoided any discussion over their participation in the executive, with sometimes calamitous results, particularly around the budget debate. Is McDonnell putting the issue on the table the signposting of a new approach under his leadership?
With Margaret Ritchie clearly relishing the challenge of ministerial office it will be interesting to see how this debate plays amongst the party faithful…
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