Northern Ireland

Denise Mullen selected as deputy leader of Aontú

Aontú deputy leader Denise Mullen
Aontú deputy leader Denise Mullen Aontú deputy leader Denise Mullen

A Co Tyrone-based Aontú councillor at the centre of recent threats has been selected as deputy leader of the anti-abortion party.

Denise Mullen was selected unopposed to take on the deputy’s role with the All-Ireland party on Saturday.

The 48-year-old, who is a councillor in Mid Ulster, succeeds Derry-based Dr Anne McCloskey as Peadar Tóibín’s number two.

Ms Mullen recently made a complaint to police after she received a threatening letter from a man convicted of killing her father, Denis Mullen, in September 1975.

Speaking to The Irish News last week Garfield Beattie later described the letter as a “black joke”.

Ms Mullen last night said she was delighted to be taking up a senior position in the party, which was launched last year.

“I am overwhelmed at the trust that members have placed in me and the faith they have,” she said.

Ms Mullen said the party has undergone growth in recently.

“We are overwhelmed by the membership and not just those who want to be silent but members who also want to get involved,” he said.

“It’s so encouraging.”

The former SDLP councillor, whose parents were also members of the party, said the endorsement is a personal boost for her.

“It brings joy to my mother because she has such faith in Aontú," she said.

“Much of the ethos the SDLP started off with is in Aontú, she gave me encouragement from the outset to join the party."