Ex-Orange Order man joins Sinn Féin in Assembly

A former Northern Ireland police officer, who was once also a member of the Orange Order, has been selected to join Sinn Féin's team in the Assembly.

At a selection convention republicans in Co Derry chose Coleraine councillor Billy Leonard to succeed veteran Sinn Féin politician Francie Brolly who had announced his retirement.

Mr Leonard's past links to the security forces, where he once served as a Royal Ulster Constabulary reservist, made him a surprise addition to Sinn Féin ranks when he first emerged on the political scene.

The 54-year-old is also a former member of the Orange Order and joined Sinn Féin in 2004 after he left the SDLP.

Over recent years, however, he has become a high profile Sinn Fein representative in the Coleraine area.

After he was selected to fill the vacant Assembly seat tonight, Mr Leonard said it was an honour to have been chosen.

"The North West region is one of the most deprived areas on this island and it is important that we have strong leadership to ensure East Derry is given its fair share," he said.

"Sinn Féin is about giving strong leadership and I will be joining a team in Stormont who will stand strong for people's rights and for equality.

"We will be working to bring about prosperity to all the regions of this island by building an Ireland of equals."

He added: "I know that the workload of an MLA is daunting but I am prepared and with the help and support of a strong Sinn Féin constituency team I am sure we can deliver."