The race as to who will succeed Mark Durkan as Leader of the SDLP is neck and neck according to bookies Paddy Power with only (euro)30 splitting the pair.
Executive Minister Margaret Richie and Deputy SDLP leader Alisdair McDonnell are both 5/6 to take the reins and while most of the early money indicated a swing towards Richie, punters have, in the last few days, been throwing support behind McDonnell.
A total of (euro)5,558 is riding on the leadership race with (euro)2,794 staked on McDonnell and (euro)2,762 staked on Richie. That said a total of 56 bets have been placed on Ritchie while just 18 have been wagered on McDonnell.
Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said:
The contest is too close to call and punters are finding it very difficult to choose between the two. The majority of people betting seem to favour Ritchie while on the other hand the big money is suggesting McDonnell. Either way it makes for an interesting leadership race!
Voting closes at 6pm on Saturday.
Next SDLP Leader
5/6 Alasdair McDonnell
5/6 Margaret Ritchie
