The SDLP has selected Cushendall woman Siobhán McAlister as its Assembly election candidate for East Antrim.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said:

“Politicians and political parties who have let people in East Antrim down for years have become far too comfortable. This is one of the most geographically diverse, visually stunning and industrially important constituencies in Northern Ireland. People here deserve an MLA who will take on and take down the lazy consensus that this is as good as it gets.

“That’s why I am delighted that Siobhán McAlister will be the SDLP candidate in May’s Assembly election. Siobhán is a key member of our team, serving as a senior adviser to Claire Hanna MP, and represents a new generation of political leaders stepping up to change the lives of people across the North for the better."

Siobhán McAlister said:

“I was born and grew up in Cushendall, I know the people of East Antrim, the challenges they face and the hopes they have for the future. But I also know that they have been badly let down by politicians and political parties that are more interested in walking out of government than stepping up for people here.

“As a young woman from this area, I’m also very aware that our community has never had a female MLA. Women here have not had their voices heard for far too long and it’s about time we put an end to that.

“We have had the same parties at the head of government here for the 15-years and it is time to believe in a party and a candidate that puts people first and focuses on delivering for you.”