Ex-policeman standing for Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin has selected a former police officer to stand in the next Westminster elections, it emerged tonight.

Billy Leonard, who defected to the republican party from the SDLP, will contest the East Derry seat.

Sinn Féin colleague Francie Brolly claimed Mr Leonard was an ideal candidate after offering “inspirational” leadership as a councillor in Coleraine.

Mr Brolly, an East Derry MLA, said: “He is totally committed to all the one-Ireland issues such as tourism, the environment, equality and the promotion of the Irish language and culture.

“He works tirelessly in advancing the peace process, on the street at grass-root level where it really matters.”

Mr Leonard, a former Protestant lay preacher and police reservist, caused shock when he switched allegiance in January last year, citing the SDLP’s general lack of direction.

He became the first Sinn Féin member of Coleraine Borough Council.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionists have chosen the chairman of their Westminster association to challenge the Rev Ian Paisley’s seat in the general election.

Rodney McCune, 28, from Ballymena, will be the UUP’s youngest candidate when he stands in North Antrim.

Mr McCune said: “I know that I will have a very difficult fight on my hands but I am sure that my opponents will feel the same way.”