Mark Durkan

SDLP- Foyle

Sitting MP Mark Durkan lives in Derry and is married to Jackie. They have one daughter, Dearbháil. Mark is a keen Manchester United fan.

Mark first became involved in politics during his student days when he was elected Deputy President of Queens Students Union. The following year, he moved to Dublin after being elected Deputy President of the Union of Students in Ireland, USI. In 1984 he returned to Derry to work for John Hume as his Westminster Assistant. He subsequently became a key figure in the party, organising MP election victories for Seamus Mallon and Eddie McGrady in 1986 and 1987.

In 1990 Mark became Chairperson of the SDLP, serving until 1995, and was elected to Derry City Council in 1993 . He was a key member of the SDLP team during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement.

Mark was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 for Foyle. He was appointed to the Northern Ireland Executive as Minister for Finance and Personnel.

In 2001 Mark replaced Seamus Mallon as Deputy First Minister. He also succeeded John Hume as SDLP Leader. Mark has been MP for Foyle since 2005.

Mark stood down as party leader in February 2010 to be replaced by South Down MLA Margaret Ritchie.

Profile based on information supplied by the party.