SDLP choose four candidates for election

The nationalist SDLP tonight chose four candidates to defend its three seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly in the forthcoming election.

Sitting MLAs Eamonn O’Neill and P J Bradley will be joined on the party’s assembly election ticket by former SDLP deputy leadership candidate Margaret Ritchie and Marion Fitzpatrick.

In the selection convention, Mr O’Neill topped the poll, with Miss Ritchie coming second and Mr Bradley third.

Earlier this week the SDLP’s South Down MP Eddie McGrady announced he would not be seeking re-election to Stormont.

However the party hopes to maintain its commanding lead over other parties in the constituency in the assembly election scheduled for May 1.

Mr O’Neill tonight claimed the party had selected a strong ticket.

“I am delighted to have topped the poll and will continue to represent the people of South Down.

“This is a strong ticket for South Down, reflecting the vibrancy in our party.

“The SDLP in South Down and our candidates will continue to drive forward the agenda of the Good Friday agreement and the need to get the political institutions back up and running.”