The Green Party today announced that Councillor Raymond Blaney is to stand in the next Northern Ireland Assembly elections.
The leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland, Dr John Barry, said: "It's a great day for the Green Party as we welcome both Raymond Blaney as our first elected representative in Northern Ireland together with Aidan Carlin, a very talented and committed local politician.
"Both are examples of the progressive, forward-looking people who are joining the Green Party here and throughout Europe," the North Down assembly candidate said.
"These are people who do not abandon their cultural and political roots but have come to recognise the Green Party as the natural home for progressive politics across a spectrum of issues from the rights and well-being of people to the state of our vulnerable planet.
"I look forward to working with them in the next Assembly," he added.
Cllr Blaney was also appointed as the Greens' health and quality of life spokesperson.
Mr Carlin, a former Down councillor, is to be Mr Blaney's election agent.
PA