THE SDLP's declining fortunes were highlighted 26 years ago.
On June 16 1992, Peter May of the NIO's Political Affairs Division reported a phone call from the SDLP, who were moving from their spacious headquarters in the Mount Charles area of South Belfast to smaller offices.
Dorita Field, the party's honorary treasurer, sought the British government's advice on a safe location.
Mr May told colleagues that the SDLP was concerned about the safety of its MPs and he was arranging for the RUC to contact the party.
The official added: "The explanation for moving from Mount Charles is the parlous financial situation the SDLP finds itself in.
"Last year they had to make their General Secretary and Press Officer redundant and the [recent] election is likely to have stretched their funds to the limit".
Their HQ, gifted to them by a Mr Lawlor, was plush and had become ‘"something of a white elephant and the SDLP has clearly concluded that it is an unnecessary extravagance".
READ MORE:
- Former top civil servant warned of 'deep divisions' and 'unionist alienation'?
- 'All unionists are bigots' Irish official 'told British ambassador'
- Workers' Party split in 1992 sparks London interest
- John Hume target of John Major's wrath over 1992 talks
- Possible Catholic majority in Northern Ireland raised 26 years ago
