Rev Martin Smyth to stand down as MP

Long serving Ulster Unionist party member, the Rev Martin Smyth has announced he is not to seek re-election and will stand down as MP for South Belfast at the next General Election.

The Rev Smyth, who is 73, said he had come to the decision in order to spend more time with his wife Kathleen, who has been ill. He informed local party members of his decision on Thursday night.

He is likely to be succeeded as candidate for South Belfast by Michael McGimpsey who paying tribute to Rev Smyth following the announcement declared his interest in standing for the Westminster seat.

In a statement Mr McGimpsey said: “I would like to pay tribute to the 23 years of service that Martin Smyth has given to the people of South Belfast.

“A party stalwart, he has served Ulster Unionism well in the constituency and I wish him well in his future endeavours.

“It is my intention to seek the candidacy for South Belfast in the forthcoming Westminster elections.”

A former Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Rev Smyth stood against David Trimble for the leadership of the UUP in 2000 and won more than 40% of the votes.

The UUP candidate for the South Belfast parliamentary constituency will be selected at a meeting to be held on February 24.

(MB)