Hume will address SDLP conference

In his first public engagement since taking ill almost three months ago, the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, will address the party…

In his first public engagement since taking ill almost three months ago, the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, will address the party's three-day annual conference in Belfast this weekend. The deputy leader, Mr Seamus Mallon, will deliver the opening speech tomorrow.

The Mitchell review of the Belfast Agreement will be given a 50-minute debate, introduced by a party executive motion calling on the Irish and British governments and the political parties to implement the accord.

Mr Hume will address the conference on Saturday afternoon. A guest speaker, yet to be announced, is expected to follow. Mr Hume has undergone three operations for a ruptured intestine. He made his first public appearance since his illness at the Castle Buildings review negotiations on Monday.

Another subject for the conference is expected to be proposals for an all-Ireland strategic framework to promote economic and social development on the island.

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A discussion paper on the topic will be presented tomorrow and is due to be launched in Dublin later this month.

Additional debates will be held on justice, agriculture, the environment, the health service, the arts and international affairs. The party has published briefing papers on disability, fuel poverty, housing and human rights.

The SDLP Assembly member, Mr Tommy Gallagher, will speak on an education motion proposed by the Queen's University branch, which calls for the reinstatement of student grants, the abolition of university fees and a review of the funding system by the British government.

In a private session on Sunday, delegates will examine proposals for amendments to the party's constitution and other organisational matters.