SDLP East Derry Assembly candidate John Dallat says he will support marriage equality

SDLP election candidate John Dallat has confirmed that he supports marriage equality, after being challenged on the issue by Caoimhe Archibald of Sinn Féin.

Archibald said that there was a 'growing demand across society in the north' for marriage equality to be made available across Ireland. She criticised Dallat's voting record on the issue and called for him to make his position on the issue clear.

“As a party Sinn Féin stand for equality and respect for all citizens regardless of creed, gender, race or sexuality,” she said.

"We launched our marriage equality pledge and are calling on all candidates to sign up to work to legislate for equal marriage and eradicate all forms of prejudice.

"As an MLA John Dallat failed to vote on the issue of marriage equality. I am now calling on him to make his position clear."

In his response, John Dallat said 'it would be helpful if Sinn Fein updated their records on my voting position in relation to marriage equality' and indicated that his stance on the issue was clear.

“On the last time this issue was debated in I vote was in favour and a majority in the assembly voted in favour of equal marriage,” he said.

“On previous occasions I could not vote because I either chaired the debate or on one occasion due to a mobility problem with my knee arrived late and was not allowed to vote.”

He then called on Caoimhe Archibald and fellow East Derry Sinn Féin candidate Cathal O’hOisin to clarify their position on abortion.

“If Caoimhe is genuinely interested in equality and respect for all citizens regardless of creed, gender, race or sexuality then let them spell it out clearly that this extends to the unborn child which is in no position to defend itself but is equally entitled to life,” he said.

“The recent announcement by former Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Brolly that she has not renewed her membership of Sinn Féin would appear to suggest that that party’s position is causing a great deal of concern to people who passionately believe in the rights of the unborn child."