The void left in the Northern Ireland Assembly following the death of an Ulster Unionist member has been filled by the appointment of Tom Hamilton, it was confirmed today.
Mr Hamilton, the mayor of Ards Borough Council, in County Down, was selected to take the seat for Strangford which was held by Tom Benson.
The speaker in the Assembly, Lord Alderdice, confirmed the move at the start of business in the chamber today.
Mr Hamilton, a 44-year-old school teacher who is widely regarded as being a supporter of Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, agreed to take on the post after Mr Benson's daughter, Elaine Allen, turned it down.
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Mr Benson, 71, died on Christmas Eve having suffered a stroke two months previously.
PA