Ex-journalist to run for SDLP
FORMER UTV journalist Fearghal McKinney is to seek nomination to run as an election candidate for the SDLP.
Mr McKinney - an Enniskillen native - declared his intention to run for the nationalist party in the Fermanagh-South Tyrone constituency for the forthcoming Westminster election.
SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie unveiled the party's new candidate at a press conference on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Mr McKinney said he was excited by his new role.
"This is a new era for politics and a new era for the SDLP. This country needs a strong SDLP and the people of the North need strong representation at Westminster," he said.
"Today I have submitted my application to represent the party in the constituency of Fermanagh South Tyrone in the forthcoming Westminster election."
He added: "This election will be won and lost on the doorsteps and I am keen to build on the good work of Tommy Gallagher and others in the weeks and months ahead. I know I have a fight ahead of me to win the seat but I am looking forward to the challenge."
Welcoming Mr McKinney's intention to stand, Ms Ritchie described the party's latest recruit as "a new politician with an exciting future".
"Fearghal was raised in Enniskillen and is well-known in his local community. He knows the task ahead and will have my full backing and support," she said.
Veteran MLA Tommy Gallagher is not putting his name forward for selection, clearing a path for Mr McKinney.
However, the former UTV man faces a tough task. The SDLP polled some 11,000 votes behind sitting Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew in 2005.
Mr McKinney's entry into local politics comes only weeks after former UTV colleague Mike Nesbitt declared his intention to run for the Ulster Unionists in Strangford.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
