SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MLA unveiled his new team of party spokespeople at an event in Belfast at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiach and they include locals Karen McKevitt, MLA as Chief Whip and Justin McNulty who will support Nichola Mallon, Spokesperson for Communities.
The spokespeople will shadow the nine new NI Executive Departments which are set to be in place in the next Assembly mandate. The party is the first to do so and the team will include MLAs and councillors from across the North.

Newry & Armagh Assembly Candidate Justin McNulty will have a particular focus on sport as he supports Nichola Mallon who is the Spokesperson for Communities. Newry & Armagh Candidate Karen McKevitt has been named the New SDLP Assembly Whip
Justin McNulty said, “I know very well the impact that sport can have as a step up for our young people, as a decisive factor for a healthy population and as a uniting force in our community. The passion that we see on the football pitch is something we do not see as often in our politicians who seem happy enough just to get by. I will be a strong advocate for the continued development of community sporting facilities which can contribute so positively to peoples’ lives.
Karen McKevitt MLA said, “A focus on providing jobs for young workers, an end to forced emigration and delivering pledges on the economy, on healthcare and on tackling crime. This is what we will focus on in the upcoming election. I’m very grateful for the confidence Colum has shown in me and I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead as we build a new generation of political leaders across the North.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said, “In the coming election people will be asked to judge parties on the last nine years. Historic handshakes aren’t delivering opportunities for young people, investment in our roads and skills or a better economy. If people believe as we do that what has gone on in the last nine years is not good enough, we are ask them to support the SDLP in May and deliver the change in government that Northern Ireland needs.”


