Justin McNulty MLA has been suspended by the Social Democratic and Labour Party‘s Chief Whip after leaving Stormont early on Saturday, to attend a GAA match in his capacity as manager.
The Northern Ireland Assembly met on Saturday to restore power-sharing by electing Speakers, First & Deputy First Ministers and Executive Ministers.
In a statement to UTV News, an SDLP spokesperson said that all MLAs were told attendance was “mandatory for the duration of Assembly proceedings”.
“People rightly expect their elected representatives to be there for work. We expected all members of our team to be there to support their colleagues.
“Accordingly, as Mr McNulty was not in his place, did not seek the permission for his absence and breached the direct instruction of the whip, the SDLP Chief Whip has suspended the whip with immediate effect.”
Since the Assembly was not sitting, the SDLP had not been seen to take any action against Mr McNulty, but leaving early on Saturday seemed to be the last straw for the party.
It is unclear whether the MLA for Newry and Armagh will remain as a member of the SDLP. He can stay in the Assembly as an Independent until the next election if he so wishes.
