SDLP reshuffles opposition team following Assembly return

The SDLP has reshuffled its opposition team following the return of the Assembly.

Leader Claire Hanna said the party hopes to “ensure that the strongest team possible is in position to hold the Executive to account”.

Mark Durkan becomes the party’s new spokesperson for communities, while Patsy McGlone takes on the justice portfolio.

Daniel McCrossan moves to agriculture, environment and rural affairs and Justin McNulty takes up the infrastructure brief.

Colin McGrath will remain as the party’s spokesman on health but has also joined the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Ms Hanna said: “The SDLP opposition is proving that politics here can be about more than endless division.

“At a time when so many are losing faith in politics, we want to show that it doesn’t have to be this way – politics can be used to build something better and deliver a new Ireland rooted in fairness and ambition.”

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole said: “It is clear for all to see that this Executive is failing while people suffer under collapsing public services, stalled infrastructure projects and environmental crisis like the toxic algae choking Lough Neagh.

“We don’t have to accept this as normal.

“This reshuffle gives the SDLP the most experienced and driven team in Stormont to hold the Executive to account and that is exactly what we intend to do.”