Former chairman of SDLP dies

SDLP LEADER Dr Alasdair McDonnell has paid tribute to the party’s former chairman and press officer Jonathan Stephenson, who has died.

Mr Stephenson, who lived in south Belfast, also served as a city councillor for north Belfast and was heavily involved in the trade union movement. An Englishman of Protestant background, he joined the party in the 1980s.

“Jonathan’s passing is extremely sad and our thoughts are with his grieving family as they come to terms with his death,” said Dr McDonnell.

“Jonathan devoted so much of his life to helping people and serving the community in north Belfast during some of the darkest days of the Troubles.”