THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC AND LABOUR PARTY

Páirtí Sóisialta Daonlathach an Lucht Oibre

Working to Build a New, Agreed Ireland

We have always believed that the solution to our troubles in Ireland would be found through addressing three sets of relationships - the relationship between the two main communities in the North of Ireland; the relationship between the North and South of Ireland; and the relationship between Britain and Ireland.

We have worked for  - and believe we have secured - a political agreement which has laid the foundations for a new future on this island, based on partnership, equality of opportunity and respect for difference.

Taking the European Community as our inspiration, we want to see our new structures of Government uniting 'Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter' working together for the good of all the people of this island.

The SDLP is the largest nationalist party in the North of Ireland representing over 60% of  the nationalist community. It was formed in 1970, by a number of MPs and Senators who worked for social justice, equality and civil & political rights for all. Throughout its history the Party has stood for two basic and interlinked principles; the rights of all in Northern Ireland to the identity, ethos and way of life of their choice; and the pursuance of political and constitutional objectives by purely peaceful, non-violent means.

John Hume, the Leader of the SDLP, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 for his efforts to bring peace to Ireland.

MEMBER-PARTY OF THE PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS AND SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL

The SDLP is a member-party of the Party of European Socialists. Visit the PES website at: http://www.europarl.eu.int/pes

Manifesto '98