SDLP's Carmel Hanna To Step Down After 9th December

It has just been revealed that the SDLP's South Belfast MLA Carmel Hanna is to step down. A selection convention will take place on 9th December. Carmel was first elected an MLA in 1998 and was appointed Employment & Learning from the end of 2001.

According to party rules, prospective candidates need to have their names with Headquarters two weeks before the selection convention. Names that have been suggested include Balmoral Branch Chair Conall McDevitt and Bernie Kelly, a councillor in the area. The selection convention will be conducted using PR-STV.

Outgoing SDLP Leader Mark Durkan commented: "Carmel Hanna has served her constituents of South Belfast, the people of Northern Ireland, the wider SDLP with dignity, determination and dedication during a distinguished political career as a councillor, Assembly Member and as a Minister.

"During this time she has remained steadfastly committed to social democracy and peaceful politics.

"She brought immense professionalism to the SDLP Assembly team with her expertise in the field of health and she has been a long-standing supporter of international development.

"I am proud to have appointed her as a Minister because she has displayed in how she thinks and what she says a strong public service ethic.

"On behalf of everyone in the SDLP I want to wish her all the best for the future."