Ulster Unionist MLA standing down due to stress

The Ulster Unionist MLA who replaced Tom Elliott at Stormont just seven months ago is standing down due to stress.

Neil Somerville was selected by the party when Mr Elliott was elected to Westminster.

Neil Somerville.  Picture: Freddie Parkinson/Press Eye ©placeholder image
Neil Somerville. Picture: Freddie Parkinson/Press Eye ©

Party leader Mike Nesbitt said he was “very sorry it didn’t work out” for Mr Somerville.

“I was highly impressed with him during the course of the canvas that saw Tom Elliott returned as the MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and I look forward to working with him in the constituency in the future,” he said.

Mr Elliott said: “I am sorry that Neil is standing down. He has always been very helpful to me and others and it is unfortunate that he is unable to continue as an MLA. He always has the best interests of Fermanagh and South Tyrone at heart and I hope that we will see him play a full role in his local community in the future.”

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