Laois made it two from two in Division Four of the Allianz League today with a win over Wexford in Wexford Park but the victory has reportedly caused some stress between manager Justin McNulty and the SDLP, whom he represents.
The former Armagh footballer is an elected MLA with the SDLP in the Newry and Armagh constituency. McNulty was in Stormont earlier in the day Saturday on what was a historic day for politics in Northern Ireland, but his commitments with Laois meant he had to be in Wexford for a 6pm throw-in.
Today at Stormont, of course, the devolved government was restored after two years and Michelle O'Neill of Sínn Fein was appointed First Minister.
There are reports this evening that McNulty has been sanctioned by his party for leaving today's sitting in Stormont without party permission.
SDLP's Justin McNulty left the Assembly at some stage before 2.40pm. He wasn't there for the party's nomination of Matthew O'Toole as Leader of the Opposition. pic.twitter.com/VIcteHo8K8
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) February 3, 2024
An SDLP spokesperson told the BBC today that McNulty had been suspended for attending the game. The BBC and the Belfast Telegraph have also reported McNulty was not present during a vote to appoint SDLP colleague Matthew O'Toole as leader of the opposition.
A party spokesperson said:
"This was an 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."
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Report: SDLP asked Justin McNulty to choose between politics and football
O'Toole had made it clear to a BBC News programme earlier in the week that his party expected the Laois manager to be present for all of Saturday's events.
"Justin has worked very hard as an MLA. He cares passionately about Newry and Armagh. He also has taken up a role with the GAA.
"We are engaged in a process to discuss with Justin those two roles, but we are clear – and we have been clear in the past – that the role of an MLA is a full-time one
McNulty - who won an All-Ireland with Armagh in 2002 - had previously managed Laois between August 2010 - August 2013. He began his second stint with Laois this autumn.
According to reports in the Belfast Telegraph, the SDLP had told McNulty last autumn he would have to quit his role as Laois manager once powersharing was restored.
McNulty was reportedly taken aback by this stance and his decision to be on the sidelines with Laois today proves how committed he is to the role.
