SDLP LEADER Margaret Ritchie has restored the party whip to North Antrim Assembly member Declan O’Loan who was suspended last month for calling for the formation of a single nationalist party with Sinn Féin.
Mr O’Loan, following internal criticism, acknowledged that his call did not represent party policy and withdrew his initial statement – although he did not formally state he had changed his position on nationalist party unity.
Ms Ritchie yesterday reinstated him as party finance spokesman and as chairman of the Assembly standards and privileges committee and vice-chairman of the Assembly culture, arts and leisure scrutiny committee.
“The party is now looking forward to the next phase of politics on this island and there is no doubt that Declan O’Loan will play an integral part in and make a huge contribution to a progressive and dynamic SDLP,” said Ms Ritchie.
