Gerry Kelly does u-turn and announces his will seek re-election as an MLA after all
Former IRA bomber Gerry Kelly is to re-contest his MLA seat in Belfast North in next May’s election.
On July 22, he had announced that he would not be seeking re-election.
He has now said he changed his mind “after being approached by the party”.
In a statement, Mr Kelly said: “The Assembly and council elections in May 2027 will be absolutely crucial.
“They are an opportunity to make a stand for the future.
"To stand up against those who want to drag us back to the past.
“To say very clearly that there will be no going back.”
In July he had said: “It has been the greatest honour to serve the people of North Belfast as an elected representative since 1998…
“I am immensely proud to have played a part in Sinn Féin’s journey of delivering real progress, building the peace process, securing the Good Friday Agreement through to the historic appointment of Michelle O’Neill as the first republican First Minister in a state designed to prevent this happening."