New SDLP leader: I am a republican

He was quoted in an interview with the Irish News, during which he discussed the upcoming Easter Rising commemorations, among other matters.

Mr Eastwood took the helm of the party in mid-November, ousting previous leader Alasdair McDonnell.

In an exchange concerning Arlene Foster’s refusal to attend Easter Rising centenary ceremonies this year, Mr Eastwood was quoted as telling the Irish News: “I would like to see Arlene recognise that we have our own history and that I, as an Irish nationalist and republican, come from a different perspective and view history possibly in a different way than she does.”