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10/01/2020
SDLP Selects O'Toole As South Belfast MLA
A former Downing Street advisor has been selected as the SDLP MLA for south Belfast.
Matthew O'Toole replaces Claire Hanna following her election to the House of Commons in December.
He has a background in economic policy and communications having worked in roles in the private sector and in government, including in both the UK Treasury and 10 Downing Street.
Northern Ireland's newest assembly member said he was delighted to accept the role in this "critical moment".
"I'm humbled to be asked to serve a constituency that is Northern Ireland's most diverse and open," he commented.
"The absence of power sharing has put immense pressure on public services, especially the health service, which is felt acutely in places like South Belfast.
"Brexit has also made Northern Ireland immensely vulnerable and been damaging to community relations. The election to Westminster of progressive, remain voices like Colum and Claire is good news, and I want to do my part in defending Northern Ireland from the effects of Brexit."
Party Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood welcomed Mr O'Toole to the party, while Ms Hanna said he will make an outstanding MLA.
Mr Eastwood said: "With a strong background in economic policy, having worked across government and the private sector, Matthew brings an immense amount of experience that will be critical to our efforts to rebalance Northern Ireland's economy, attract new jobs and defend people here from the impact of Brexit.
"I look forward to working with him at a critical time for politics in the North."
Former south Belfast MLA Ms Hanna said Mr O'Toole's experience will be an "immense asset" to attracting new jobs and industries to the city.
"I'm looking forward to working closely with Matthew to deliver for South Belfast and I know that he will do everything in his power to help people in our community," she said.
(JG/CM)
Matthew O'Toole replaces Claire Hanna following her election to the House of Commons in December.
He has a background in economic policy and communications having worked in roles in the private sector and in government, including in both the UK Treasury and 10 Downing Street.
Northern Ireland's newest assembly member said he was delighted to accept the role in this "critical moment".
"I'm humbled to be asked to serve a constituency that is Northern Ireland's most diverse and open," he commented.
"The absence of power sharing has put immense pressure on public services, especially the health service, which is felt acutely in places like South Belfast.
"Brexit has also made Northern Ireland immensely vulnerable and been damaging to community relations. The election to Westminster of progressive, remain voices like Colum and Claire is good news, and I want to do my part in defending Northern Ireland from the effects of Brexit."
Party Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood welcomed Mr O'Toole to the party, while Ms Hanna said he will make an outstanding MLA.
Mr Eastwood said: "With a strong background in economic policy, having worked across government and the private sector, Matthew brings an immense amount of experience that will be critical to our efforts to rebalance Northern Ireland's economy, attract new jobs and defend people here from the impact of Brexit.
"I look forward to working with him at a critical time for politics in the North."
Former south Belfast MLA Ms Hanna said Mr O'Toole's experience will be an "immense asset" to attracting new jobs and industries to the city.
"I'm looking forward to working closely with Matthew to deliver for South Belfast and I know that he will do everything in his power to help people in our community," she said.
(JG/CM)
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