Northern Ireland

Daniel McCrossan succeeds Claire Hanna in SDLP Brexit post

Daniel McCrossan was appointed SDLP Brexit spokesman. Picture by Mal McCann
Daniel McCrossan was appointed SDLP Brexit spokesman. Picture by Mal McCann Daniel McCrossan was appointed SDLP Brexit spokesman. Picture by Mal McCann

WEST Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has been named successor to Claire Hanna as the SDLP's Brexit spokesman.

The appointment by party leader Colum Eastwood came 24 hours after Ms Hanna resigned from the role in protest at formalised links with Fianna Fáil.

The South Belfast MLA is a long-standing opponent of a ties with Micheál Martin's party and believes the deal endorsed by SDLP members on Saturday will lead to a merger.

Delegates voted by 121 votes to 53 to support Mr Eastwood's proposal for a partnership with the Republic's main opposition party.

Ms Hanna also resigned from the SDLP's assembly group, effectively surrendering the party whip.

However, given the absence of an assembly, whether or not she has the whip is largely academic.

Mr Eastwood has described it as "grey area" and the party is understood to be reviewing the situation.

Commenting on Mr McCrossan's appointment, the SDLP leader said: "As a MLA of a border constituency, Daniel is acutely aware of the challenges facing the north at this critical time as we draw ever closer to March 29.

“The SDLP have been consistently clear that any deal must include a Backstop to ensure the rights of people here are protected."

Mr McCrossan said Brexit posed an "unprecedented".

"I look forward to articulating the needs and wishes of the majority of voters here who did not consent to this," he said.