SDLP reveals two new faces for ABC council

Ciaran Toman will replace retiring councillor Joe Nelson as the party’s representative for the Lurgan DEA while Grainne O’Neill takes over from former Mayor Mealla Campbell in Armagh.

They take up their duties tomorrow (Friday, January 1).

Announcing the changes, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said that Grainne and Ciaran represent a new generation of the SDLP stepping into positions of leadership in their communities.

He added: “I want to pay tribute to the outstanding work that Joe Nelson and Mealla Campbell have done for their communities as SDLP Councillors.

“Joe has represented our party and the people of Lurgan for a decade, bringing his huge wealth of experience to bear in the old Craigavon Borough Council and in the new super council. I know that Joe will continue to be a determined activist and a source of support for the community in Lurgan.

“Mealla has served the SDLP and the people of Armagh with distinction, most recently as Mayor of the district. She has been an outstanding example of the value we place on compassion and genuine care for a community. I wish her all the best as she takes up a new career opportunity.

“I am delighted that we’re appointing two new hardworking, passionate and dedicated people joining the SDLP team on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council. Ciaran has a strong connection with Lurgan and has undertaken advice work in our local Upper Bann office, supporting people with complex problems. I know that he will make an immediate impact on the Council.

“I’m also incredibly proud to have Grainne O’Neill joining our team. Grainne has undertaken a huge amount of work to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and money for local cancer charities. I can think of no one better to take forward Mealla’s legacy of compassionate representation of people in Armagh.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the SDLP. We are seeking to build a new, shared and more prosperous society. Politics is changing all around us, if you want to be a part of shaping that, and shaping a more progressive country like Grainne and Ciaran then join us and play your part.”

Grainne O’Neill said: “I’m delighted to be joining the SDLP team in Armagh. As a local community activist, I’ve seen first hand the problems that people here face from access to health services to job security during the pandemic and everything in between. I am committed to doing all I can to help our community, to raise our profile and to deliver change for local people.

“I want to thank Mealla Campbell for all the work she has done in Armagh and for the support she’s given me over the last few weeks.

“I’m looking forward to working with our MLA Justin McNulty and with our Leader Colum Eastwood to building a better society that delivers for everyone in our communities.

Ciaran Toman said: “I’m really excited to get to work helping local people and reshaping our community for the better. Joe Nelson has been a great representative for people in Lurgan and it’s a real honour to be taking forward the work that he has done for people here.

“I’m part of a new generation and I know that other people my age feel like their voice hasn’t been heard. I want to change that, to give a voice to those who have been marginalised by government or feel like they’ve been left behind.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to serve the people of Lurgan and I’m looking forward to getting to work with our MLA Dolores Kelly and the whole council team.”

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