Unionist meeting addressed by SDLP Leader Mark Durcan

The new leader of the SDLP, Mark Durkan, became the first leading member of his party to speak to a unionist meeting last night.

Mr Durkan was invited to speak to a meeting of the North Down Unionist Association and said he hoped it was the first of many meetings he would attend.

This was Mr Durkans first public decision as leader of the SDLP to attend the Unionist meeting. His predecessor Mr John Hume was never invited by the Unionists, they claimed he had too much political baggage.

Addressing the meeting Mr Durkan told the 90 Unionists present that the agreement was a "covenant of honour between the two traditions".

A return invitation is now expected from the SDLP to the UUP.