New SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan is to address a unionist association in one of his first acts as party leader, he revealed today.
The Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister told the SDLP conference in Newcastle, Co Down that he had "received an invitation to address in eight days time the North Down Unionist Association."
He confirmed: "I have accepted it. To listen to the other person's point of view and to explain our point of view is the essence of politics. And it will be a cornerstone of my leadership."
Mr Durkan acknowledged in his first speech since assuming control of the SDLP from veteran nationalist leader Mr John Hume that there were still fears in the community despite the new political arrangements at the Stormont.
He told delegates: "Deep, deep in me I believe that it is our job to remove those fears.
"It is our duty to understand those fears and then work steadfastly to remove any reason for those fears.
"That is the essence of politics. That is the task of the persuaders - our task."