Northern Ireland

Justin McNulty to receive expenses only for Laois GAA job, according to Stormont register

SDLP assembly member Justin McNulty
SDLP assembly member Justin McNulty

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty will receive unspecified expenses only in his role as Laois GAA football manager, according to the assembly's register of interests.

The Newry and Armagh representative and one-time All-Ireland winner was appointed to the post in October.

Mr McNulty previously managed the Leinster side before being elected to Stormont in 2016.

His SDLP colleagues are understood to be unhappy with his double-jobbing. The party leadership has already indicated that it believes the two roles are incompatible. 

A statement from the party last month said being an assembly member is "obviously a full-time position".

In accordance with assembly rules, Mr McNulty registered his new managerial position on November 27.

He describes the role as "Laois GAA Senior Inter-County Football Manager" and says it involves "evening and weekend commitment for which expenses will be covered".

The Newry and Armagh MLA does not specify the amount he receives in expenses.

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The assembly rules state: "Members are also required to register the amount of any remuneration they have received, or expect to receive, in respect of each relevant entry and the average approximate hours spent in relation to that remuneration. 

"Remuneration includes not only salaries, fees and payments in kind; but also gifts received in recognition of services performed, taxable expenses, allowances and benefits such as company cars, and ex gratia payments."

Mr McNulty declined to respond when asked by The Irish News to confirm that he is not being paid by the Laois county board or any of its sponsors.

According to the amateur ethos rules of the GAA, managers are not supposed to receive any remuneration, beyond expenses, for their services, however, it's widely believed that payments are commonplace in some counties.