A Tale Of Two Tommies
When a candidate declares their interest in leading a party, and appears with a phalanx of colleagues behind them, you might reasonably assume that this represents a sense of the backing they expect to get when it comes to decision time.
So it was with Margaret Ritchie, who appeared in the Great Hall this week together with Alex Attwood, Mary Bradley, Dolores Kelly, Carmel Hanna, Tommy Burns and Tommy Gallagher. The MLAs duly nodded in the background as the Social Development Minister declared her intention to succeed Mark Durkan.
The minister claimed to have the backing of "at least 50%" of the SDLP's Assembly party. A supporter later explained that if you counted out Ms Ritchie, Mr Durkan and the other likely candidate deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell that left 13 MLAs, and given there were 6 politicians at Ms Ritchie's launch that was almost half of the team.
However a rumour has been going around Stormont that the two Tommies didn't know they were going to be bit part players in a Ritchie leadership bid and, in fact, might be leaning towards Dr. McDonnell.
In an attempt to get to the truth of the matter, I've been speaking to sources close to the Tommies, who told me that as the phalanx set off down the stairs they did know what the minister planned to announce.
But whilst I understand that Tommy Gallagher is a firm Ritchie backer, I am led to believe that Tommy Burns remains open to persuasion, friendly with both the Minister and Deputy Leader and not yet decided between them.
Let's hope he makes his mind up when it comes to the vote at the party conference in February, although given that it's a secret ballot, will we ever know exactly what he decides?
I'm 
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Mark,
What are you saying - Margaret Ritchie was telling porkies?
When in Manchester last week at the Tory conference did you try out the Gordon Brown porky pies???
Stormontspy
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Having watched Stormont Live,I have a blank sheet listing the contributions made by Tommy Gallagher and Tommy Burns !!!
All leaders need silent support.They do,don't they !!!
Margaret Ritchie("at least 50% support") must be taking
maths lessons from Sammy !!!
They (the MLA's)can all count,when claiming expenses !!! except Lady Sylvia,who noted on her Commons claim,that maths was not her strong subject !!!
Poor lass when next May,she'll have another 3 or 4 "unionist" candidates
against her !!! McCartney for North Down !!! Oh please !!! Parsley ???
What's this about pies for Cameron in Manchester ?
Desperate Dan Pies for bye-election in Glasgow North East or
Mandelson calling mushy peas by a funny name ???
Stormontspy,thanks for encouraging other responses !!!
Have a pint on me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Tommy,Tommy where are the two of you ??? Whoever you are !!!
Please advise of the occasions,in the past year,of your
contributions in Stormont,in debates etc and the expenses involved !
SDLP's Tommies given ground again !!!
Tommies,you couldn't lead a -----,support one who can !!!
It would be cheaper if there was only one of you !!!
Disgusted"CHIPS"in Derry will be pleased! A balanced gait !!!
When will Sinn Fein and SDLP reveal their expenses ???
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Spinspamspun,
One of the seven principles of public life is Honesty. Is the Minister being honest here or as you say is it a demonstration of Sammy's Maths??
Stormontspy
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Where are the SDLP supporters and voters ???
Do you not know what's happening ???
DUP and SF don't want you to exist !!!
Squeel up to the mike and say why you
should have a leader of -----------!!!
DisgustedofLONderry would pleased.
Chips with everthing !!!
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pressed wrong buttones before logging.
Will try to correct
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Brighten up,there is little future unless you have oil.
NI has a chance,all this hot air and tattie/pea diet=FUEL.
Fart to keep the World alive !!!
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I am well aware of the slagging that various people place upon the SDLP on this blog having been a reader from pretty much the beginning. Mark Durkan is, in my opinion, an honest leader and someone who has been much more interested in making progress for people here than in the politicking that has gone behind it. However, the rise in prominence of Sinn Fein, due in no small part to Tony Blair's wanting to talk to the people with the guns, has left the SDLP at a political disadvantage. Whoever replaces Mark as leader will need to revitalise the party and bring in fresh blood as the heavy hitters like John Hume, Seamus Mallon, Brid Rodgers etc have failed to be replaced.
So is Margaret Ritchie the person to lead the SDLP? Will she help the party rise? Too early to tell yet but its likely to either be her, Alasdair McDonnell or Alban Maginness. Whoever wins I sincerely wish them good luck because if the SDLP goes the way of the dodo ( something I would be extremely sad to see as they have always been a democratic, decent party with goals I could agree and support ), the alternative for the votes of the Nationalist bloc will end up falling towards Sinn Fein. I think that is something the unionists on this blog can agree they would rather not see either.
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Goodight Stormontspy
Keep asking and the answers will come !!!
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You should know better than to be writing a post without any real substance. Whoever spread that rumour about the "Tommies" isn't really the brightest bulb in the pack are they? Perhaps a sign??
How insulting as well.
The "Tommies" must have been really confused to go out to the steps of Stormont after the interview and get endorsement photos taken for the print media.
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The 'Doubting Thomas's' are a better name for them. However, I gather that they and Bradley were led to believe by Alex that Margaret Ritchie was going to make a press announcement but didn't know what it was. All a bit underhand methinks.
If Margaret wants to win over people, I suggest she becomes more honest about what she is doing and not rely on silly stunts. It only breeds resentment.
At least McDonnell gave her time and space. He must have a soft spot for her. Oops, maybe that can be spun around that he was ignoring her.
This leadership challenge will split the party irrevocably. Who wants that on their conscience or who wants a party which has been decimated and destroyed by one side trying to outgun, outsmart or outwit the other. The nasties will get their hands on it and both will suffer.
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