SINN Féin has selected Paul Maskey MP, Pat Sheehan MLA, Órlaithí Flynn MLA and Danny Baker MLA as its four candidates to contest the next Assembly election in West Belfast.
Mr Maskey is the third sitting Sinn Féin MP to have been selected by the party to stand in next year's Assembly election, after Fermanagh-South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen was selected along with Deirdre Hargey to contest South Belfast & Mid Down, and South Down MP Chris Hazzard was selected for Strangford.
Speaking at the candidate launch this evening, Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald said: “Tonight, Sinn Féin is proud to launch an outstanding team of four candidates here in West Belfast.
“They are committed, dedicated and hardworking, all born and bred in this community. They work tirelessly every day for the people of West Belfast and have delivered so much as part of the Sinn Féin team over many years.
“West Belfast is, and has always been, at the very heart of our struggle for a new and united Ireland. These elections are the most important elections in generations.
“They are an opportunity to make a stand for your future. To say very clearly that there will be No Going Back.”
Paul Maskey MP said he was honoured to have been selected to contest the next Assembly election in West Belfast. Mr Maskey was first elected to the Assembly in 2007. In 2011 he was elected MP for West Belfast. He has been re-elected MP on four occasions since. Last week Aisling Reilly MLA announced that she would not be contesting next May's election for Sinn Féin.
“I want to bring my experience, determination and commitment to the Assembly to deliver for people across West Belfast," he said. “Together, we have an opportunity to return the biggest and strongest Sinn Féin team to the Assembly next year, and I will be working every day to help make that happen.”
Pat Sheehan MLA said: “We are aiming to retain all four Sinn Féin seats here in West Belfast and make gains in constituencies right across the North.
“We are determined to keep moving forward, defending progress and delivering for our communities.”
Órlaithí Flynn MLA said: “I am honoured to have been selected to stand again in the next Assembly election.
“Our team in West Belfast will continue to provide a strong voice for local people, standing up for our communities and working to deliver the change people want to see."
Danny Baker MLA said: “I am proud of my record of standing up for families and helping those most in need in society.
"I want to continue to deliver even more for the people of West Belfast and, alongside my colleagues, work day and night to return all four Sinn Féin candidates next May with an increased mandate.”
