Northern Ireland

Sinead McLaughlin replaces SDLP leader as Foyle MLA

New SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
New SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin New SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin

THE SDLP has selected former Derry business chief Sinead McLaughlin as its new MLA for Foyle.

Ms McLaughlin replaces party leader Colum Eastwood at Stormont following the SDLP leader's election as Foyle MP last month.

The former chief executive of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce was co-opted onto Derry City and Strabane District Council in January last year.

She was a vocal supporter of SDLP links with Fianna Fáil.

Mr Eastwood said his Stormont successor had "proven herself as a fierce public representative" over the past 12 months.

"We need people who know what it takes to deliver jobs and investment in this city – this is a signal of our intent to deliver for Derry," he said.

Ms McLaughlin said she was becoming an MLA at a "critical time for Derry".

"The extraordinary potential of this city and our people has been left undeveloped for far too long," she said.

"My priority is delivering new jobs, investment and infrastructure that will provide everyone living here with the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions."

One of two SDLP MLAs in Foyle alongside Mark H Durkan, Ms McLaughlin said her priorities would be the expansion of Ulster University's Magee campus, investment in transport infrastructure and "delivering on the potential of our City Deal".

The SDLP is expected to announce the replacement MLA for Claire Hanna in South Belfast later this week.