Derry councillors Sandra Duffy and Christopher Jackson will join sitting MLA Ciara Ferguson on the Sinn Féin ticket in the next election to the Stormont Assembly.

The party announced its three candidates at a launch event in the Maldron Hotel on Thursday.

Speaking at the event North Belfast MP John Finucane said the party wanted to make history by returning three MLAs for the first time.

Mr. Finucane said: “Let me be very clear: we are standing three candidates to win.

Sinn Féin's three Assembly election candidates, Councillors Sandra Duffy and Christopher Jackson and Ciara Ferguson MLA with North Belfast MP John Finucane

placeholder image — Sinn Féin's three Assembly election candidates, Councillors Sandra Duffy and Christopher Jackson and Ciara Ferguson MLA with North Belfast MP John Finucane

“It is an ambitious initiative. It is an important initiative, and it is part of the political transformation which Sinn Féin is spearheading across Ireland."

Mrs. Ferguson, who is currently serving as Foyle MLA alongside party colleague, Pádraig Delargy, said: "Since 2021, I have been proud to represent the people of Foyle in the Assembly, working tirelessly on the issues that matter most to workers, families and communities.

"I am excited by the opportunity to continue that work and to help make history by electing three strong Sinn Féin voices for Foyle.

"Together, let's make history and stand up for Derry."

Sinn Féin Assembly Election candidates Sandra Duffy, Christopher Jackson and Ciara Ferguson, serving MLA.

Councillor Christopher Jackson said: "Having three Sinn Féin MLAs in Foyle for the first time is an opportunity to build a good life, to succeed and to prosper in our city.

"Three Sinn Féin MLAs for Foyle would provide strong representation and ensure our city's needs and priorities are championed in the Assembly.

"I was born and raised in the Waterside, a community and people I care deeply about, and it is where I am deeply proud to represent as a councillor.”

And Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: "As a mother of two and a proud Derry woman, my passion has always been serving the people of this city.

"Through my work in the community, supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges, I have seen first-hand the issues facing many families.

"Those experiences drive everything I do in public life.

"As a Sinn Féin councillor and former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, I have worked tirelessly to support families, grow our local economy and create better opportunities for everyone who calls Derry home.”

The announcement follows the decision by Mr. Delargy not to seek re-election next year.

It is first time since 2016 that Sinn Féin has fielded three candidates in Derry.