A former RUC reservist and Orange Order member was last night selected by Sinn Féin to fill the Assembly seat vacated by Francie Brolly.
At a selection convention, Sinn Féin members in Co Derry chose Coleraine councillor Billy Leonard to succeed Mr Brolly, who had announced his retirement.
Mr Leonard once served as a Royal Ulster Constabulary reservist and is also a former member of the Orange Order. He joined Sinn Féin in 2004 after he left the SDLP.
Over recent years, however, Mr Leonard (54) has become a high profile Sinn Féin 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.”