McCrossan elected as SDLP chairman

WEST Tyrone MLA and Strabane man, Daniel McCrossan, has opened up about his ‘deep honour’ at being selected as the SDLP’s new chairman.

Mr McCrossan was elected to the role by party delegates at the party’s conference held in Derry last weekend. He replaces outgoing chairman Colin McGrath, who stood down after six years in the role.

Speaking about his election, Mr McCrossan said, “It is a real honour to have been elected chair of the SDLP by party members at our conference in Derry. I have been a member of the SDLP for my entire adult life, and an MLA for over seven years. I’m delighted I’ve been entrusted with this important position, particularly as we embark on our renewed mission to deliver a New Ireland.

“As party chair, I Iook forward to working with every branch of our party to spread the SDLP’s vision for a New Ireland far and wide; and to renew and grow our membership so that we have a strong team in every area to sell our message and build our movement for a New Ireland. I recognise that this will not be a simple task, but I believe the SDLP is uniquely-placed to go out there and convince people that this is the best way to deliver a better future for them and their families.”

Mr McCrossan also acknowledged the ‘challenging times’ for local communities, and was keen to be at the forefront of any developing changes on the island. He added, “I understand that this is a very challenging time for people in communities across the North. We have come through a pandemic, we are experiencing a cost of living crisis, our health service is in ruins and politics is a totally failing to deliver for people here. However, I am also excited about what the future holds. The conversation about future relationships on this island isn’t going away and I look forward to playing a key part in delivering that change in my new role as SDLP chairman.”