SF selects ex-RUC reservist to contest East Derry

Sinn Fein has selected a former RUC reservist and Protestant lay preacher as its candidate in East Derry for the upcoming British general election.

Billy Leonard, who defected to Sinn Féin from the SDLP last year, was selected to contest the seat yesterday.

At the time, he said he was frustrated by the SDLP's lack of direction and a sense that the party was failing to rise to new challenges.