The SDLP has officially launched its Northern Assembly election campaign.
The nationalist party won 24 seats in the 1998 election, six more than Sinn Fein, but commentators are predicting a more closely fought contest this time around.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign today, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party would be operating a more disciplined vote management system in the May 29th election and would advise voters to give their transfers to pro-agreement parties.
Mr Durkan also said that nationalist voters know the SDLP is the "backbone" of the Good Friday Agreement.