Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has announced that he will stand in the 2027 Assembly election.
The veteran Sinn Féin representative had previously announced that he would not be standing in May's election, but this u-turn comes on the back of Sinn Féin announcing that MPs Pat Cullen and Chris Hazzard would be aiming for a seat in Stormont in next year's election.
Gerry Kelly is an incumbent MLA for North Belfast, and has represented the constituency since its creation in 1998. Prior to that he was the Belfast North representative in the Northern Ireland Forum. He has served as Junior Minister in the Executive and as Sinn Féin's policing spokesperson.
Speaking about his decision, the North Belfast MLA said that "Politics in the north of Ireland is at an incredibly important juncture."
"The Assembly and Council elections in May 2027 will be absolutely crucial," he continued.
“They are an opportunity to make a stand for the future.
"To stand up against those who want to drag us back to the past.
“To say very clearly that there will be no going back.
“I had decided not to stand for the upcoming May election. However, after being approached by the party I have decided to put my name forward, once again, for selection as one of Sinn Féin’s North Belfast candidates in the next Assembly election.
“These elections will be the most important in generations, and if elected, I will play my full part in the period ahead as part of the Sinn Féin team at the Assembly and working hard, on the ground, for the people of North Belfast.”
