South Down MLA Karen McKevitt has been appointed SDLP Chief Whip following the resignation of former whip Pat Ramsey on health grounds. Mrs McKevitt will also take a seat on the Assembly Commission, the body which oversees the management of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Speaking after her appointment, Mrs McKevitt said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed the SDLP Chief Whip by our new party Leader Colum Eastwood. I’m very grateful for the confidence he has shown in me and I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead as we seek to build a new generation of political leaders across the North.
“I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor Pat Ramsey. I had the privilege of working with Pat as the SDLP Assembly Group deputy whip and I can honestly say there is no more generous or patient man in politics.
“The SDLP will be providing a robust alternative to the stagnant government of the DUP and Sinn Féin. As Chief Whip I’ll be contributing to our regrowth and renewal. That’s the exciting challenge that lies ahead and I’m looking forward to meeting it head on.”
