Former SDLP leader John Hume joined the party’s three candidates when they handed in their nomination papers
THE SDLP brought out the big guns yesterday as its three candidates handed in their nomination papers for next month’s Assembly elections on May 5.
The party is confidant that it can hold on to its three seats in Foyle and return Colum Eastwood, Mark H Durkan and Gerry Diver.
Among the big guns the party brought out to support them was one of its founders, former leader and Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume.
Despite his health problems, Mr Hume has steadfastly supported new SDLP leader Colum Eastwood as he hopes to rejuvenate his party’s fortunes at the election.
And a huge boost to his leadership would be to keep the three Foyle seats and give Sinn Fein a bloody nose into the bargain.
Sinn Fein have parachuted deputy first minister Martin McGuinness into the Foyle constituency in the hope of stealing an SDLP seat.
But the SDLP is hugely confident that they will keep their three seats with a warning to Sinn Fein: Remember what happened to you in Donegal.
During the party’s spring conference held in Derry, Mr Eastwood told delegates: “The Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness has announced the he is coming back into Derry in the expectation that he will be gifted three seats.
“Well Martin should take a look and see what happened recently in Donegal.
“Three into two won’t go.”
The Sinn Fein candidates for Foyle are Martin McGuinness, Raymond McCarteny and Maeve McLaughlin.
If the SDLP predictions come true and they retain all three seats, it will be a huge blow to Sinn Fein if one of their three candidates doesn’t get back into the Assembly.
Said an SDLP insider: “This could be a repeat of Donegal all over for Sinn Fein.
“It just smacks of desperation for Sinn Fein to bring in Martin McGuinness as if that is going to bring them in more votes.
“What does that say about the other local party councillors in Derry like Kevin Campbell, Mickey Cooper and Eric McGinley?
“We believe it is a bad move for Sinn Fein and in the end if they are going to lose out on a third seat.
“I don’t think Maeve McLaughlin would be too pleased if she loses her seat to McGuinness.
“It is a bad election strategy by the Shinners. Donegal is going to repeat itself in Foyle we believe.”
Handing in his nominations yesterday for the Assembly for the first time was Gerry Diver.
He took over on January 1 this year from Pat Ramsey who retired on health grounds.
Said Gerry on Facebook: “I sas delighted this afternoon to submit my nomination papers for the forthcoming Assembly Election on May 5th, along with my party colleagues Colum Eastwood and Mark H Durkan.”
Gerry Diver handing in his nomination papers yesterday for the Assembly elections
