SDLP leader Colum Eastwood visits area for Euro campaign

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood visits area for Euro campaign

15 May 2019

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood’s European election campaign rolled into Newcastle last week when he met party officials and engaged with members of the public.

Mr Eastwood’s election ‘battle bus’ was welcomed by members of the Newcastle SDLP branch, with the Foyle MP meeting residents and businesses owners to gauge their thoughts and views on the upcoming European election on May 23 and the ongoing issue of Brexit.

Recently re-elected Mournes councillor Laura Devlin said it was “great” to welcome the party leader to Newcastle.

She said he was “really energised” at the ease at which residents came up to offer their thoughts on his campaign. 

“The message here in Newcastle was clear; we don’t want to be a part of Brexit. In Northern Ireland, we voted to remain in the EU and our position remains unchanged,” she said. “Colum is running a fantastic campaign to regain the seat once held by the great John Hume. 

“I have every confidence that he will be elected to the European Parliament and send a clear message to the UK government and the Brexiteers.”

Newcastle SDLP branch chairman Dominic O’Reilly said he was only ten when the Good Friday Agreement was signed and that he was fortunate to have been raised in a home where diversity was welcomed and celebrated.  

He added: “I see myself as Irish and European,” he remarked. “I want to remain part of that European family which is open and welcoming to all regardless of creed, colour or whoever you are. 

“That’s the Ireland I want to be a part of building up, an Ireland that appeals to the very best hopes and aspirations in each of us. To do that we need a strong voice in Europe and I believe that Colum Eastwood will be that voice.”