Mallon not to take up Dep. First Minister post

The SDLP has confirmed that Seamus Mallon will not seek to return to his post of Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland.

Mr Mallon was forced to relinquish the post when Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble resigned in July as First Minister as part of his drive to get the IRA to start decommissioning.

The Newry and Armagh MP had hinted when he stood down from the post of deputy leader of the moderate nationalist party when John Hume announced his retirement as leader, that he would not seek office in the vote for new First and Deputy Ministers.

The SDLP Assembly party will meet in the next few days to select a nomination for the position.

Stormont Finance Minister and incoming SDLP leader Mark Durkan is expected to replace him.

An Assembly vote to fill the posts is expected to be held at Stormont next week.

Mr Trimble meets with his 120 strong Ulster Unionist Executive to get an endorsement for him seeking to return to his position.