SDLP selects council candidates for Mid Ulster

Candidates were ratified at a party meeting in the area.

The candidates are: Councillor Malachy Quinn (Torrent), Councillor Christine McFlynn (Magherafelt), Councillor Sharon McAleer (Clogher Valley), Councillor Martin Kearney (Carntogher), Councillor Kerri Martin (Cookstown), Karol McQuade (Dungannon) and Denise Johnston (Moyola).

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said he was delighted the party had selected a group of candidates determined to deliver for the local community and the issues that matter to them.

The Foyle MP said: “The SDLP is determined to deliver a strong council team in Mid Ulster to continue dealing with the issues that matter to people in their community and to give them a strong voice in local government.

We are proud of the work our council team have engaged in during the previous term, but acknowledge there are still many issues that need addressing and the best way to do that it to return as many SDLP councillors as possible.

“Local government is hugely important to our party, it’s where the link between politics and the public begins and councillors are entrusted with delivering vital services and improving the areas where they live, work and raise their families. The SDLP Mid Ulster team will keep working to build a community that everyone can be proud of.”

Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said: “I’m very proud of the work our Mid Ulster council team has engaged in over the last number of years. With our institutions unable to function due to the intransigence of the DUP, SDLP councillors have provided an important voice for people in this area, standing up for those who are suffering due to the cost of living emergency and the thousands of people in this area struggling to get health

appointments or access other important services.

“If we want to improve the area around us, tackle inequalities and build a community that we can all be proud of then we need to put our trust in representatives who want to get on with the job of delivering for local people. The SDLP has always been a strong advocate for people in Mid Ulster and the issues that matter to them and we’ll keep striving on their behalf at every level of politics.”