McSorley joined the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), and was elected to Magherafelt District Council in 1981.
[1] She was then elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1982, representing Mid Ulster.
[3] 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.
[4] She held her council seat as an independent in 1989,[5] but didn't stand for re-election in 1993.