Social Democratic & Labour Party

Also Known As

Páirtí Sóisialta Daonlathach an Lucht Oibre

Leader

Mark Durkan MP MLA

Founded

1970

Ideology

Social Democracy

Background

The party was founded in 1970, although there is still debate today as to its original aims. Some say it was to bring together nationalists who wanted to campaign for a united Ireland by peaceful, constitutional means. Others argue that it was social democratic party rather than a nationalist party.

The SDLP were key players in the discussions that led to the signing of the 1998 Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and they served in the subsequent power-sharing Executive.

The party currently has 3 MPs in the House of Commons where it takes the Labour whip, and 16 MLAs (Member of the Legislative Assembly) in the Northern Ireland Assembly.