Kelly welcomes new councillors

©Mark Pearce/ Presseye20thApril 2011 Presseye Northern Ireland _____ Mandatory Credit - Photo Mark Pearce/Presseye
SDLP Manifesto Launch , Belfast.
Dolores Kelly MLA
Mandatory Credit Photo Mark Pearce / — ©Mark Pearce/ Presseye20thApril 2011 Presseye Northern Ireland _____ Mandatory Credit - Photo Mark Pearce/Presseye SDLP Manifesto Launch , Belfast. Dolores Kelly MLA Mandatory Credit Photo Mark Pearce /

Mrs Kelly congratulated the new councillors, which she described as “experienced”. She also congratulated the two outgoing councillors, Declan McAlinden and Joe Nelson who retained their seats and who were the first nationalist councillors to find spots on the new Super Council for the Craigavon and  Lurgan District Electoral Areas respectively.

The assemblywoman thanked Team SDLP for what she described as “a hard fought and  successful campaign”, in particular candidates Pat Mc Dade and Thomas Larkham, both of whom increased considerably the SDLP vote in  their respective areas, and Eamon McNeill who was narrowly beaten for the last seat in the Portadown  area by a unionist  candidate.

Mrs Kelly said: “Eamon has clearly put down a marker and I have no doubt he will take the seat next time around.”