New SDLP leader Claire Hanna has vowed to move the party “up a gear” during her first conference at the helm.
The South Belfast and Mid Down MP spoke of growing the party and reconnecting with the electorate in her first leader’s address.
Outgoing leader Colum Eastwood announced in August that he would be stepping down at the annual gathering after nine years in the job.
Ms Hanna was the only candidate to put her name forward to succeed him and was confirmed as the new leader at the conference in Belfast on Saturday.
Ms Hanna, 44, started her speech by paying tribute to those who inspired her to pursue a career in politics, particularly her SDLP stalwart parents Eamon and Carmel – the latter a former Stormont MLA.
She spoke of her pride in the history of the SDLP and its leading role in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998 but expressed concern of politics being “stuck between our past and our future”.
“Politics hasn’t seemed like service for quite some time,” she said.
“We seem to be a bit stuck, between our past and our future, and I think the SDLP has been a bit stuck too.
“In the years since peace, it’s fair to say that we haven’t always been quick enough on our feet.
“We haven’t been clear about who we are, and that allowed others to define the narratives about us.
“At times we’ve listened to each other more than we’ve listened to voters.
“We’ve tried to make people think, when people need to feel. We’ve given the impression of looking back, instead of looking forward.”
Ms Hanna added: “Nostalgia is great but it’s no political strategy.
“We’re rightly proud of our yesterdays, but the SDLP is about today, and tomorrow.
“At heart, we’re a party that looks to the horizon.
“I passionately believe that if this party didn’t exist, someone would invent it.
“The SDLP, no party, has no divine right to exist. But we do have a right to think, to believe, to say what we feel is right and this is important.”
Setting out her way forward as SDLP leader, Ms Hanna said the party will be clear about who it is and where it is going and will be growing their team, particularly targeting those in communities making change.
She also emphasised her commitment to social democracy.
“As a party we need to change how we do things, but not why we do things,” she said.
“We’ll show people that what they have now isn’t as good as it gets, and that we’re the party who’ll build something new.
“All of us together, I know we can do it. Let’s us move up a gear, let’s put ourselves to work.”
Earlier, Mr Eastwood received a standing ovation as he took to the stage for his final conference speech as leader.
He hailed the SDLP as the party set up in 1970 which “chose civil rights over civil war”, adding he sees “the same spirit in this spirit today” particularly highlighting the work of Belfast councillor Paul Doherty and Mayor of Derry Lilian Seenoi-Barr.
“I am so excited and inspired by our new leader,” he said.
“I have known Claire Hanna for decades, and as you might know, we haven’t always agreed, but the few disagreements we have had have been about tactics, not purpose. I have never met anyone who believes more in reconciling our communities and I for one am proud to have her as my leader.”
Mr Eastwood acknowledged the SDLP’s “diminished electoral state” in terms of the role it can play in moving towards a new Ireland, adding: “We’re under no illusions, it’ll take many people, parties and activists to get us there but which political party can speak to the middle ground, who has the history, heritage and credibility to convince the undecideds?
“We can do it because we’ve always been about building a shared home for everyone on this island.”
Mr Eastwood emphasised that he is not retiring from politics, describing himself as feeling as driven now than ever, with a “decade of opportunity to look forward to”.
“I intend to be relentlessly focused on building the case for a new united Ireland,” he said.
“I am more excited about politics now than at any time in the last 26 years. This is the decade of opportunity for those of us who want to see this country finally united and reconciled.”
Meanwhile, SDLP veteran Brid Rodgers was made president of the party in recognition of her contribution to politics, including serving as a Stormont MLA and in ministerial portfolios.
The conference was told that only other person to fill that role in the past had been former leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume.
