McLaughlin 'won't stand in Europe'

By BBC NI political correspondent Martina Purdy

Sinn Fein's Mitchel McLaughlin has decided against standing in next year's election to the European Parliament despite winning a record vote for his party in 1999.

The BBC has learned that only two names are in the frame following the close of nominations this week - Bairbre de Brun and Francie Molloy.

It is understood Mr McLaughlin will issue a statement shortly to outline his reasons for not standing.

Mitchel McLaughlin fared well in the last European poll

It is believed he wants to focus on his duties as party chairman, which include ensuring Sinn Fein's continued electoral growth.

Mr McLaughlin is also set to stand for the Foyle constituency in the Westminster election, one of several seats targeted by Sinn Fein.

A selection convention has been scheduled for next month.

While Mr Molloy was one of a number of candidates fielded by Sinn Fein in the 1994 European poll, Ms de Brun is viewed as the front runner.

This is due to her high profile as the former health minister in charge of a £3bn budget.

She is also fluent in a number of languages, including French - a valuable asset for any European MEP.

In 1999, Sinn Fein polled 117,000 first preference votes, trailing the successful Ulster Unionist candidate Jim Nicholson by less than 2,000 ballots.

Former health minister Bairbre de Brun is viewed as front runner

That election was dominated by the race to see whether Ian Paisley or John Hume would top the poll.

In the end, DUP leader Ian Paisley once again pipped the SDLP's Mr Hume for the top spot, but only by about 2,000 votes.

While the vote for the third seat was fought out by Mr Nicholson and Mr McLaughlin, it was not as close as it the first preference votes indicate as the European poll is based on proportional representation.

In the second count, Mr Nicholson was well ahead of his Sinn Fein rival once the surplus votes had been distributed.

Both Mr Hume and Mr Paisley have indicated their intention to stand again for one of the three seats on offer.