SDLP to holding annual conference in Belfast

The SDLP annual conference in Belfast today will examine in its poor election results in the November assembly poll.

The party will also have to elect a new vice chairman after the retirement of Brid Rodgers.

The SDLP is very much a party in transition and faces huge challenges.

Three big hitters, John Hume, Seamus Mallon and Brid Rodgers have already either retired or are on the point of doing so.

On top of that, the party also faces a stiff electoral challenge from Sinn F éin in the upcoming June European elections, the first without John Hume as its candidate.

As if that wasn’t enough, its three remaining Westminster seats are also under threat from Sinn Féin.

Mark Durkan, John Hume’s successor as party leader, will rally the troops later today hoping for brighter days ahead.