SDLP's McGrady to stand again

There had been speculation this would be Mr McGrady's last term

SDLP MP Eddie McGrady is set to stand again for the Westminster election in South Down.

The party will select their candidates in the Autumn and sources close to Mr McGrady have said he will go forward for selection.

Mr McGrady has held the South Down seat since 1987 and is one of three sitting SDLP MPs.

MPs John Hume and Seamus Mallon have indicated they will retire from Westminster.

There had been speculation that this would be Mr McGrady's last term.

However, sources have said he is not going to stand aside - a decision that will come as a relief to the party who had been concerned about the seat following a sharp rise in Sinn Fein's vote in last year's assembly poll.

Mr McGrady - who is 69 - lost his wife to cancer last year. He remains a popular figure in the constituency and is widely regarded as the best candidate to retain the seat.

He has campaigned over the years for the closure of the nuclear power station Sellafield on health grounds and for the retention of hospital services in Downpatrick.

There is speculation the next General Election will be called for May next year.