15 October 2026
The SDLP has selected Councillor Malachy Quinn as the party's Mid Ulster candidate for next year’s Assembly election.
A native of Coalisland, Malachy was first elected to Mid Ulster District Council in 2014 for the Torrent DEA and currently serves and the SDLP's Group Leader.
Malachy has a strong track record of campaigning on issues that matter to people and communities. He has been at the forefront of efforts to introduce Caoimhé's Law, protecting families from the distress caused by the sharing of graphic footage from road traffic collisions, and has campaigned for stronger school bus safety legislation to protect children travelling to and from school. He has also led calls for an All-Island Animal Cruelty Register, demonstrating his determination to turn local concerns into meaningful legislative change.
Malachy studied History at St Mary's University College, Belfast, where he served as Students' Union Vice-President, before completing a Master's degree in Politics at Queen's University Belfast. He is also active in the local theatre community, performing regularly with Craic and Bardic Theatre, and is involved with St Vincent de Paul and Derrytresk GAC.
SDLP Mid Ulster Assembly Candidate Malachy Quinn said:
"I am honoured that local SDLP members have put their trust in me to stand as the Mid Ulster candidate at the next Assembly election."
"Patsy McGlone has set an incredibly high standard for public service in Mid Ulster. He has been a tireless advocate for this area and someone I have looked up to throughout my time in politics. I know I have big shoes to fill, and I am grateful for his friendship, advice and support."
"My time on Council has shown me what can be achieved when people work together and get on with the job. We need better public services, proper investment in our towns and villages and more opportunities for young people to build their lives here. I want to see Mid Ulster getting the attention and investment it deserves."
"I have always been proud to be from Mid Ulster and to represent people at council level. Whether through the Council, local theatre, the GAA or voluntary work, I have met so many people who give their time to make this a better place to live. I want to bring that same community spirit to Stormont and make sure people across Mid Ulster have someone who will listen to them and stand up for them when it matters most."
SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said:
"I have worked closely with Malachy over many years and know the commitment he brings to representing people in our area and I know Malachy will bring this energy to the campaign to secure an Assembly seat in the months ahead."
"Representing and working for the good people of Mid Ulster has been the greatest privilege of my political life. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has placed their trust in me and supported me in different ways over the years, I look forward to campaigning alongside Malachy in the months ahead."
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
"Malachy has a strong record of public service and brings over a decade of experience in local government. He knows Mid Ulster well and has been actively involved in his community at every level through politics, sport, theatre and voluntary work."
"I also want to thank Patsy McGlone for his decades of outstanding service to Mid Ulster and the SDLP. Patsy has been a tireless advocate for his constituents, a valued colleague and a good friend. His integrity, kindness and dedication have earned him respect across political divides, and we are enormously grateful for his contribution."
"Patsy leaves a remarkable legacy of public service, and I know Malachy is determined to build on it. He has the experience, compassion and work ethic to make a real contribution at Stormont and will make an excellent MLA for Mid Ulster."