SDLP selects new candidate for Justin McNulty seat

Councillor Peter Byrne will contest Newry and Armagh for the SDLP in next year's Assembly convention, replacing Justin McNulty.

Mr Byrne, a councillor for 10 years, was chosen in a selection convention of party members.

He runs a business in Crossmaglen, where he lives with his husband.

Following his selection, he said he wants to be "a relentless champion for Newry and Armagh".

In an apparent reference to the Drumcree dispute, he added: "If the past week teaches us anything, it is that we need to move forward and do politics differently.

"For the SDLP, that means making things work today whilst planning for a new Ireland in the future, and I am looking forward to taking this message to the people of Newry and Armagh in the weeks and months ahead."

Hanna praises McNulty

SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP said Mr Byrne brings "significant political, business and community experience to this campaign" as she paid tribute to Mr McNulty.

She said: "Pete will build on the strong representation that Justin McNulty has provided, and I want to pay tribute to Justin’s significant contribution to our party and to the people of Newry and Armagh.

"He has been a strong voice in holding the Executive to account across a range of issues, not least its failure to deliver Casement Park.

"He has a huge role to play in the future of this party."

Mr Byrne also noted the current MLA’s "determined campaign to secure access to CAR-T cancer treatment for patients in Northern Ireland".

Fixture clash

Mr McNulty had the party whip suspended in February 2024 when he left the Assembly early to attend a match involving the Laois GAA football team, which he manages.

The fixture clashed with a special Saturday sitting of the legislature that saw devolution restored at Stormont following a two-year impasse.

Mr McNulty left Parliament Buildings before the end of the sitting and missed his party colleague Matthew O’Toole being confirmed as leader of the opposition.

He was appointed Laois manager in October 2023 at a time when the Assembly was collapsed.

Following his suspension, then-SDLP leader Colum Eastwood insisted his two roles of MLA and Gaelic football manager were "not compatible".

The whip was restored in August 2024.