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Mary Katherine McSorley MBE is a former Irish nationalist politician.

Political career

McSorley joined the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), and was elected to Magherafelt District Council in 1981. She was then elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1982, representing Mid Ulster.

In January 1989, McSorley accepted an MBE. This was against SDLP policy which stated that members should not accept British honours. It prompted talk of a split in the party, but McSorley was persuaded to resign. She held her council seat as an independent in 1989, but didn't stand for re-election in 1993.

References

1. The Local Government Elections 1973–1981: Magherafelt, Northern Ireland Elections
2. Mid Ulster 1973–82.
3. Tim Pat Coogan, The Troubles: Ireland's Ordeal 1966–1996 and the Search for Peace
4. Dearbhail McDonald, "Kelly defies SDLP ban to accept OBE in New Year's honours list", The Times, 1 January 2006
5. Local Government Elections 1985 – 1989: Magherafelt, Northern Ireland Elections
6. Magherafelt District Council Elections 1993–2005, Northern Ireland Elections

• Living people
• Members of Magherafelt District Council
• Members of the Order of the British Empire
• Northern Ireland MPAs 1982–1986
• Social Democratic and Labour Party politicians
• Independent politicians in Northern Ireland
• Female members of the Northern Ireland Assembly
• Women councillors in Northern Ireland