06/11/2009

Belfast Assemblywoman To Stand Down

SDLP MLA Carmel Hanna has announced her intentions to retire from Stormont politics.

The south Belfast nationalist is expected to officially resign as an MLA next month.

Ms Hanna will be replaced by another party member.

Under Assembly rules, a by-election is not necessary as SDLP members will select a successor on 9 December.

So far two names have been mooted - PR guru Conall McDevitt, a former SDLP communications director and Belfast Councillor Bernie Kelly, a former Deputy Lord Mayor.

Ms Hanna joined the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 1972.

During her career she has served as a city councillor, an MLA, an Executive Minister, a Health Committee Member and lately an Assembly Commissioner.

SDLP Leader Mark Durkan paid tribute to the 63-year-old mother-of-four.

"Carmel Hanna has served her constituents of South Belfast, the people of Northern Ireland and the wider SDLP with dignity, determination and dedication during a distinguished political career."

(PR/BMcC)

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