Aspiring Secretary of State to support Candystripes against Dundalk

Mr Coaker will be in the city as guest of Londonderry MP Mark Durkan.

The Shadow Secretary of State’s visit to the Brandywell will follow a tour of the city.

Mr Durkan will accompany the Shadow Secretary of State to the Port in Lisahally on Friday before (weather permitting) travelling by boat to the Derry City Council offices to meet with local civic leaders and Culture Company representatives.

In the afternoon he will visit The Playhouse to see the final day of The Celtic Media Festival and have meetings with local community groups before attending tomorrow night’s Derry City match against Dundalk at the Brandywell.

Mr Durkan said: “The fact that Vernon Coaker has taken time out to come to Derry shows he is committed to keeping as well-informed as possible.

“He impresses me as someone who is amiable, keen to learn, anxious to help and ready to talk straight.

“It will hopefully be the first of many visits to Derry in his capacity as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.”