Karen Mullan selected for co-option in Foyle

By Richard O'Reilly

Sinn Fein has selected Karen Mullan for co-option as the new MLA for Foyle.

She'll the void left by Elisha McCallion MP, who ended almost four decades of SDLP power in last Thursady's General Election.

Karen Mullan has accepted the appointment, which will go to the party's executive committee for approval.

Speaking after being selected at a selection convention in Derry/Londonderry, Ms Mullan said: 

"I am proud and honoured to have been chosen by Derry Sinn Féin for co-option to the Assembly to replace Elisha McCallion, who has just been elected as MP for the city. 

"I want to thank my colleagues for placing their faith in me to represent this constituency alongside Raymond McCartney. 

.@k_mullan selected for co-option to replace Elisha McCallion in the Assembly at a convention in Derry. pic.twitter.com/PhCKlJf4rG

— Derry SinnFein (@DerrySinnFein) June 12, 2017

"There is no doubt that momentum has been building behind Sinn Féin in the city in recent years and, if my selection is approved by the Ard Chomhairle, I will play my part in continuing the growth of Sinn Féin in Derry. 

"We are in a new era of politics in this city and I look forward to providing a new voice, alongside other Sinn Féin representatives, to ensure the people of Derry get the first class representation they deserve.

Elsewhere Catherine Kelly has been selected for co-option in West Tyrone. She'll replace Barry McElduff who was also elected an MP last Thursday. 

.@kelly_caitk16 selected for co-option in West Tyrone https://t.co/V10ZUueEeq pic.twitter.com/XDDwubmwHl

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) June 12, 2017