SDLP's Mullan to stand for East Derry

Gerry Mullan with Colr. Stephanie Quigley and retiring MLA John Dallat and deputy returning officer Patricia Murphy.

The SDLP's Gerry Mullan hopes he will be taking over the reins from John Dallat if elected to the new Assembly on May 5.

After almost 40 years in politics, John Dallat - who was elected to the Assembly in 1998 - is retiring from politics.

Gerry Mullan was first elected to Limavady Borough Council in 2002 and served as mayor before going on to secure a seat in the new Causeway Coast and Glens Council in 2014.

Colr. Mullan - who polled 4,268 votes in the 2015 General Election - is a member of various committees on Causeway Council.

After handing in his nomination papers, he said: “The SDLP in East Derry has a long and proud record of service always putting people before party and never giving up on vital issues which affect the lives of ordinary people on a daily basis.”

He continued: “The SDLP provides a full-time constituency service which has been used by thousands of constituents over the years dealing with many issues including benefits, planning, education, health housing and many others.

“We are proud of our record and pledge to continue to put service to the people first.

He added: “Major issues include health and especially the role of the Causeway Hospital as one of a group involving closer links with Altnagelvin, which is the key to ensuring its survival as a significant factor in the delivery of hospital services in East Derry.

“The creation of jobs and much better support for local and small businesses must be a focus for the new assembly and especially in East Derry when so many young people have been forced to emigrate. I want to see them coming home to a prosperous East Derry which has undergone major investment in infrastructure in recognition of the deficit over the years and especially during the last nine years when the DUP and SF coalition failed to deliver any significant investment to this constituency.”