Colr. Diver was selected by the SDLP's Foyle District Executive last night to be the party's next candidate for the Mayor of Derry.

Derry's mayors are chosen under the D'Hondt system which ensures the post is rotated around all of the city's major parties.

It is expected that the SDLP councillor will be elected unopposed at the next full meeting of Derry City Council in June.

"I would like to thank the members of the District Executive and my colleagues on the council for awarding me this opportunity, said Colr. Diver.

"It is an opportunity which I will use to drive forward a progressive agenda of change and develop a forward thinking approach to the needs and concerns of the people of Derry.

"I am conscious of the fact that I follow in the footsteps of many of this city's finest public representatives. I deeply respect their contribution to the life of this city and value their advice.

"I am also acutely aware that I am only in this position by the gift of the people I represent, not only in the Waterside but now across the entire city."