North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has announced that he will not put his name forward for re-election to the Assembly next year.
He was first elected to represent Sinn Féin in the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998.
Mr Kelly said he was proud to serve the people of North Belfast and to have played a part in securing the Good Friday Agreement.
“It has been the greatest honour to serve the people of North Belfast as an elected representative since 1998. I will continue to fulfill that important role as an MLA up until the Assembly election next year.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, my constituents, family, friends and colleagues.
“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.
“We are in a time of exciting change as we look forward to building a new and United Ireland,” he concluded.
Sinn Fein deputy leader and first minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Gerry Kelly has decided that he will not be a candidate in the next assembly election and will retire as an MLA at next year’s Assembly election. Gerry has given a lifetime of service and commitment to the cause of Irish unity.
“He has shown great leadership as part of the Sinn Féin team across North Belfast, which has grown considerably in recent years.
“Sinn Féin is now in the process of candidate selection in a number of constituencies. Gerry will continue to contribute to Sinn Féin as a valued and highly respected Republican activist.”
Kelly is the third Sinn Féin MLA to announce they will not stand for re-election next year and the fifth MLA in total.
