Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill has paid tribute to North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly after he confirmed he will not put his name forward at the next Assembly election, praising his decades of public service and commitment to Irish unity.

Ms 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." Announcing his decision, Mr Kelly thanked the people of North Belfast, along with his constituents, family, friends and colleagues, for their longstanding support and said he will remain in post until the election next year.

Gerry Kelly said: "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."