SDLP selects Byrne as Newry & Armagh candidate

Councillor Byrne has served as a councillor since 2016 and runs his own business in the area.

Cllr Byrne said: “I am delighted to have been selected by my party colleagues to be the SDLP’s candidate for Newry & Armagh in the upcoming Westminster election.

"People in my community have suffered extensively over the last decade and a half due to the cruel policies put forward by a Tory government that cares little for this place and I am excited to do my part in delivering change.

“Since 2005 Newry & Armagh has been left without a voice at Westminster. My community has not had the representation it deserves and there has been nobody to speak up for us on important issues like legacy, welfare support and how this place is funded. I want to change that – I want to be an MP that stands for up this area and that every single person who lives here can be proud of.

“Newry & Armagh is somewhere that we should all be proud to live in. We have some of the most beautiful scenery on this island and you would struggle to meet better people anywhere. However, I believe that we have so much potential that is yet to be realised and that by working together we can deliver so much more for families here.”

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: “Pete Byrne is a tireless community activist who works hard every single day for people in Newry & Armagh. He has been an outspoken voice on issues like policing, tourism and improving the local economy and his passion for this place and its people shines through in everything he does.

"He’d be a fantastic MP for this area and would carry that commitment and with him to Westminster.”