SDLP Cllr, Declan Boyle has pulled out of the race to succeed Alasdair McDonnell as an MLA.
Speaking about his decision Boyle said;
I have taken this decision after reflecting on the direction on which I want to focus my political career. For many people, it is understandable that the natural progression for a councillor would be towards the Assembly. However since putting my name forward I have realised that my passion for politics resides within the council.
This at the moment leaves the path clear for Claire Hanna to succeed McDonnell. It should be pointed out that this will also be the convention to select the candidates for the Assembly elections next year.
Cllr Hanna’s campaign recieved a boost today when a tweet came in from the former MLA for South Belfast, none other than, Conall McDevitt
If there is someone who embodies the type of MLA @SDLPlive need in S Belfast it’s @ClaireHanna . Go girl!
— Conall McDevitt (@ConallMcD) June 17, 2015
David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
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