Eddie McGrady

SDLP MP South Down

Date of birth

3 June 1935

Political profile

Over the last few years, of the three SDLP MPs, Eddie McGrady has been the one most likely to be seen at work around the House of Commons.

Until November 2001, John Hume was party leader (also having his duties as an MEP), whilst Seamus Mallon was Deputy First Minister and deputy party leader.

McGrady has the role of Chief Whip, as well as a spokesman on the environment, local government and housing, whilst having a place on the Northern Ireland Select Committee.

A former chartered accountant, he sat on Downpatrick Urban council in the 1960s and early 1970s, and then on the Down District Council until 1989.

Also a member of the Northern Ireland Assemblies in existence in the 1970s and 1980s, McGrady gained national prominence on election night in 1987, when - at his fourth attempt - he defeated Enoch Powell, who had been Ulster Unionist MP for South Down since 1974.

He also sits for South Down in the Northern Ireland Assembly set up under the Good Friday Agreement.

Contact

Constituency office: 028 4461 2882