Claims McNulty told to resign as new role is 'incompatible' with position as MLA

It hasn't yet been confirmed if the 2002 All-Ireland winner with Armagh will remain in his role as an Assembly member.

However, a senator in the Republic has claimed the SDLP is attempting to force Mr. McNulty out of the party.

Niall Blaney, a member of Irish government coalition party Fianna Fail, also alleged the SDLP has "lost its way and is now a far cry from the party of Hume and Mallon."

There are reports Mr. McNulty's supporters have claimed he was told this week by the SDLP leadership that accepting the GAA job was "incompatible" with his position as an MLA.

They said he was advised to resign from Stormont as otherwise he would be “double-jobbing.” 

It's further claimed that if he resigned Mr. McNulty would be co-opted into the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council seat vacated by party colleague Michael Savage to take a role with Newry Chamber.

The MLA's supporters said that option was not acceptable.

Senator Blaney is quoted as saying the last time he saw something like this happening was “when Sinn Fein stood down almost its entire organisation in Derry."

He reportedly added: “I have had a stream of calls from SDLP members and campaigners who are stunned and appalled at how Justin McNulty has been treated.

“I am shocked to the core at some of the things I have been hearing. Justin is accepting a part-time, temporary football position.

“The GAA is his passion in life. His new role will mean working a few evenings a week and weekends. 

"It won't impact on his role in Stormont. His constituents won't be affected."

The SDLP has been contacted for a comment on the senator's claims.