SDLP Expanded Team 'Ready For Battle'

The leader of the North's SDLP, Dr Alasdair McDonnell has unveiled a new team of local party representatives.

Just days after it was announced that the SDLP Mournes Cllr Sean Rogers had been selected by party members to replace South Down MP Margaret Ritchie in the Stormont Assembly, while she concentrates on Westminster, the expanded SDLP team was named.

These include Peter Devlin, the son of SDLP founding member Paddy Devlin.

The leader of the nationalist SDLP Dr McDonnell (pictured) said: "During the recent leadership election I made a pledge that I would make the SDLP at all times electorally 'battle ready'.

"I have begun that process internally and part of that is about identifying energetic people who can look to fill some of the gaps that have emerged, represent the SDLP locally, serve their communities and prepare to fight upcoming local government elections," he said.

"Some are people who will work with our elected representatives in those areas where additional support is welcome and where we feel there are electoral opportunities.

"Others will represent the SDLP in areas which have perhaps been neglected and where we know that the SDLP vote can be encouraged to come out again," he said, adding that these are just the first tranche of representatives that will be announced over the next months.

"I am particularly delighted to have on board Peter Devlin, son of the iconic Paddy Devlin, who I am sure will do an excellent job in working with our SDLP council team and MLA, Alban Maginness, to serve the people of North Belfast."

Commenting, SDLP North Belfast representative Peter Devlin added: "I'm delighted to have asked to help build a dynamic SDLP in North Belfast.

"I look forward to working close with new SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell as he seeks to implement the bold changes he has laid out to make the SDLP a strong party of government again.

"The founding principles of the SDLP which my father helped to develop still ring true today and I look forward to playing my part," he concluded, yesterday.

Other newly appointed local reps include: Pat McDaid – Craigavon; Yvonne Leonard – Newry; Oonagh McNickle – Limavady; Christine Wilson – Lisburn; Nicola Turtle – Lisburn; Serena Hyland - Dungannon; Anne Sheridan – South Armagh; Malachy Quinn – Dungannon and John Coyle - North Fermanagh/ Irvinestown.

(BMcC/GK)