United Kingdom Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, John McDonnell, visited St Mary's University College on 5 August as part of his tour of Belfast. The Shadow Chancellor was in the city to meet with business, community, trade union and educational leaders to discuss issues relevant to economic development in the region.

He concluded his visit with a public speech in the College as a part of Féile an Phobail on the subject of trade unionist James Connolly.

Dr Gerard McCann, who was representing St Mary’s, met with the Shadow Chancellor along with a delegation of business and community representatives, to discuss a wide range of economic concerns within the context of Brexit.