The SDLP leader has said his party's fightback following two difficult elections has begun in earnest.
Mr Mark Durkan, speaking to election workers in Belfast last night, said the party had been hurt by last week's election.
"The SDLP has suffered a blow to its pride, but its head is unbowed. We shall rise again. We shall overcome," he said.
He has already announced a special party conference later this year to review party structures and organisation. He made the commitment on Monday following the loss of the European Parliament seat held by Mr John Hume since 1979.
"There are many reasons for \ outcome," he said last night. "It was fought against a backdrop of governments and commentators fanning hopes of a Sinn Féin/DUP deal. Some of the factors are under our control and we intend to do something about them right now."
Mr Durkan said the party was already focusing on next year's local government election and on a Westminster election which is also anticipated.
He denied that the rising Sinn Féin vote was due to SDLP defections.