SDLP assembly member Justin McNulty has been suspended from the party after leaving Stormont early on the day the NI Assembly sat for the first time this year and without seeking permission. He then travelled to County Wexford to manage the Laois Gaelic football team in their match against Wexford. The party stated that this meant he missed important parliamentary business, including the SDLP taking the role of official opposition. They reportedly told McNulty that he could no longer continue in both roles and had to choose between his assembly job and being Laois’ manager.
A spokesman stated that all SDLP members had been informed by the party chief whip of the mandatory attendance required for the duration of the assembly proceedings. He added that McNulty did not seek permission for his absence and that by not being in his place, he breached the direct instruction of the whip. McNulty will now be unable to attend SDLP assembly meetings.
BBC News NI has attempted to contact McNulty for comment. The SDLP has been left with six assembly members after the resignation of Claire Hanna last week. McNulty, who won an All-Ireland title with Armagh in 2002, was reportedly on the sideline when his team played Wexford in Division Four of the National League – Laois won by ten points.
The Chairman of Stormont’s audit committee, John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin, tweeted that MLAs who missed the formal opening should apologise and offer a reason. However, Mr McNulty was reportedly present for the opening and left later on.
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