He has been a political activist since his student days at Queen's University in Belfast and Magee College in Londonderry. It was at Queen's University, Belfast, that Mr Durkan got his first taste of political life as a graduate in politics, and then as deputy president of Queen's student union from 1981-82. Well thought of in party circles, in 1995 it was speculated that John Hume, SDLP leader, might step down from his position as MP at Westminster in favour of Mr Durkan. He was party chairman from 1990-95, and an SDLP councillor in Derry City Council since 1983. Unlike most in this Executive, he is at the early part of his political career.
Auspices are good.
He has taught abroad in Switzerland and in Sierra Leone. Mr Farren has been active in the party since 1973. An economics graduate of UCD, he went toNorthern Ireland in the early 1970s after accepting a teaching post at the University of Ulster. This was at the beginning of the present phase of the troubles. Mr Farren rose rapidly through the SDLP ranks and has served as party chairman from 1980-84 and was elected to the Assembly for North Antrim in 1982.