Lady Ritchie of Downpatrick is a graduate of The Queen's University of Belfast, and served as parliamentary assistant to Eddie McGrady, MP, from 1987 to 2003.

In Northern Ireland, the wearing of poppies is controversial as it is seen by many as a political symbol representing support for the British Army.

[10] A Sinn Féin spokesperson described the comments as "nonsense" and "an attempt to score cheap points".

[13] The Phoenix reported that only one MLA, Alex Attwood, was prepared to back her and that "she will be humiliated if she puts her leadership to a vote".

Also she was considered to be burdened "with what some deem an unpleasant speaking voice" and lacking the "political muscle and business acumen" to rebuild the SDLP.

On 10 September 2019 it was announced that Ritchie had accepted a life peerage as part of Theresa May's resignation honours list.