Paying tribute to Colum Eastwood on his resignation as SDLP leader, former secretary of state Julian Smith called him “an exceptional communicator”.

Many others have made similar remarks but they are only half right. Eastwood could be a great performer but he never managed to communicate a unique selling point for his party, admittedly a difficult task.

Doug Beattie may have failed to deliver his vision for the UUP but at least it was fairly clear what that was.

Eastwood’s attempted partnership with Fianna Fáil revealed tactical nationalist ambition without much strategy or ideology behind it. Another UUP parallel could be drawn by comparing it to UCUNF, although even that fiasco made sense in theory, being underpinned by shared Tory values.

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Newton Emerson: Could Hanna’s politics prove better fit for shrunken SDLP?

South Belfast & Mid Down MP Claire Hanna, Eastwood’s presumed successor, is another great communicator but the real gift she brings is a clear political position.

• Who is Claire Hanna? The MP tipped to succeed Colum Eastwood as SDLP leaderOpens in new window
• John Manley’s analysis: Thank you Mr Eastwood but it’s time for a changeOpens in new window

Hanna considered resigning over the Fianna Fáil link-up as it offended her social democratic principles. She would be a Labour TD in the Republic and fills some of the gap left by UK Labour’s refusal to run candidates here.

The SDLP once thought that was too small an electoral market for its ambition. As it has shrunk regardless, it might find this is a role that fits.

Claire Hanna, Eastwood’s presumed successor, is another great communicator but the real gift she brings is a........

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