Northern Ireland

Two new SDLP councillors for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council

New SDLP councillor Grainne O'Neill (second from left) with MLA Justin McNulty, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and deputy leader Nichola Mallon
New SDLP councillor Grainne O'Neill (second from left) with MLA Justin McNulty, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and deputy leader Nichola Mallon New SDLP councillor Grainne O'Neill (second from left) with MLA Justin McNulty, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and deputy leader Nichola Mallon

TWO new SDLP councillors have been announced for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

Ciaran Toman will replace retiring councillor Joe Nelson as the party’s representative for the Lurgan area.

Grainne O'Neill will take over from former mayor Mealla Campbell in Armagh.

Both new councillors will take up their duties from today.

Mr Toman took part in advice work at the SDLP's Upper Bann office.

Ms O'Neill is a community activist who has worked to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and has fundraised for cancer charities

Mr Toman praised Mr Nelson for his service.

"I’m part of a new generation and I know that other people my age feel like their voice hasn’t been heard," he said.

"I want to change that, to give a voice to those who have been marginalised by government or feel like they’ve been left behind."

Ms O’Neill thanked Ms Campbell for her work and support.

"As a local community activist, I’ve seen first hand the problems that people here face from access to health services to job security during the pandemic and everything in between," she said.

"I am committed to doing all I can to help our community, to raise our profile and to deliver change for local people."