SDLP selects new candidate for Justin McNulty seat

The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) has selected Councillor Peter Byrne to represent the party at the Newry and Armagh seat in the upcoming Assembly convention, succeeding Justin McNulty. Byrne, who has served as a councillor for the past decade, was chosen during a selection convention of SDLP party members. He currently runs a business in Crossmaglen, where he resides with his spouse.

Upon his selection, Byrne expressed his intention to be a "relentless champion for Newry and Armagh". He further commented, alluding to the Drumcree dispute, that "we need to move forward and do politics differently".

For the SDLP, this implies delivering results today while envisioning a new Ireland in the future. Byrne is eager to convey this message to the people of Newry and Armagh in the forthcoming weeks and months. SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP commended Byrne's substantial political, business, and community experience, stating that he will build upon Justin McNulty's strong representation.

She also paid tribute to McNulty's significant contributions to the party and the community, particularly in holding the Executive accountable regarding various issues, including the failure to deliver Casement Park.

Byrne highlighted McNulty's determined campaign to obtain CAR-T cancer treatment for patients in Northern Ireland and noted that McNulty was suspended from the Assembly in February 2024 for attending a Laois GAA football match that conflicted with a special Saturday session of the legislature. The session aimed to restore devolution in Northern Ireland following a two-year impasse.

During the suspension, McNulty left Parliament Buildings before the end of the sitting and missed Matthew O’Toole's confirmation as the leader of the opposition. Following his suspension, then-SDLP leader Colum Eastwood emphasized the incompatibility of McNulty's roles as an MLA and a Gaelic football manager.