National: GAA manager suspended by SDLP after breaching 'direct instruction'

The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) has confirmed that it has suspended Justin McNulty, MLA, who is also the coach of the Laois senior Gaelic football team.

The party issued a statement after it had been reported on Saturday that he was suspended. It explained that Mr McNulty left today’s sitting of the Assembly without seeking permission and did not return for important parliamentary business which included the SDLP taking up its role as the official opposition at Stormont.
 
An SDLP Spokesperson outlined the reasons in a statement on Sunday after Mr McNulty managed Laois to a win over Wexford in Wexford. Mr McNulty spent part of the day in the Northern Ireland Assembly but left early for the game which threw in at 6pm.

“All SDLP MLAs were informed by the party’s Chief Whip that attendance at today’s sitting was mandatory for the duration of the Assembly proceedings.
 
“This was a historic day that saw the restoration of devolved government, the election of the first nationalist First Minister and Leader of the Opposition. People rightly expect their elected representatives to be there for work.
 
“We expected all members of our team to be there to support their colleagues. Accordingly, as Mr McNulty was not in his place, did not seek the permission for his absence and breached the direct instruction of the whip, the SDLP Chief Whip has suspended the whip with immediate effect,” said the spokesperson.

The SDLP took up its role as the Official Opposition at Stormont. SDLP MLA, Matthew O’Toole, was nominated and appointed as Leader of the Opposition. Mr McNulty was not present in the chamber when that took place.

Mr McNulty, a Newry and Armagh assembly member, did not appear before reporters after the game in Wexford as normal to comment on his team's performance. It is not clear when the MLA himself was told of his suspension. He has yet to comment on the SDLP's move.

The SDLP Assembly leader had made clear in advance of Saturday that he wanted all MLAs to work full-time working for their constituents. He stated this when asked about Mr McNulty's plans to travel to Wexford.

Mr McNulty, who is steeped in SDLP politics, was and MLA when appointed Laois manager in October 2023 but the Assembly was suspended. 

Laois GAA has yet to comment on the controversy which now surrounds the coach who they hope will lead the county to promotion from Division 4 of the football league.

Politicians managing GAA teams is not without precedent. John O'Mahony managed Mayo between 2007 and 2010 when he was a Fine Gael TD for Mayo.