Gerard McDonald is a long-standing member of the SDLP having served the party as a volunteer, campaign manager, vice chair, and now staff member to SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP. His main policy interests include policing, legacy, housing, and social security. Gerard is a graduate from Ulster University and previously worked for Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey. He cites his best successes in local politics as helping secure Claire Hanna MP’s election in 2024 and delivering casework breakthroughs daily.