SINN Féin has selected three candidates to contest next May's assembly election in North Belfast.

Gerry Kelly MLA, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA and Councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile have been put forward as the party targets three seats in the five seat constituency. At present Sinn Féin hold two seats, the DUP two and Alliance one.

Speaking at the candidate selection launch this evening, Sinn Féin Uachtarán Mary Lou McDonald said next May voters will go to the polls for Assembly and Council elections on the same day.

“These elections are the most important elections in generations," she said. “They are an opportunity for people to make a stand for their future. Sinn Féin is looking to the future with confidence.

“Here in North Belfast Sinn Féin are standing three to win three.

“Gerry Kelly and Carál Ní Chuilín have a strong record of representing North Belfast as MLAs, and joining them as our third candidate is Maighréad Ní Chonghaile, a Sinn Féin councillor, leader of the Sinn Féin group on Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, and Principal of Naiscoil agus Gaelscoil Éanna in Glengormley.

“Together, they are an experienced and committed team, ready to deliver for the people of North Belfast.”

Speaking after the launch, Gerry Kelly MLA said: “I am honoured to be selected again as part of a history making Sinn Féin team here in North Belfast.

"In May next year, you can elect three Sinn Féin MLAs in North Belfast and return the strongest ever Sinn Féin team to the assembly.”

Carál Ní Chuilín MLA said she is "proud to stand again to represent North Belfast as part of a team delivering on the issues that matter to people here".

She said the election is “an opportunity to support the strong leadership of Sinn Féin and show that change here in the North is unstoppable.”

Maighréad Ní Chonghaile said: “It is an honour to be selected as a Sinn Féin assembly candidate, as we aim to make history here in North Belfast.

"Next May you can send a clear message to those that want to drag us back, Ní bheidh aon dul siar ann, ní anois ná go deo."