Menu
21/01/2005
Rev Martin Smyth to stand down as MP
Long serving Ulster Unionist party member, the Rev Martin Smyth has announced he is not to seek re-election and will stand down as MP for South Belfast at the next General Election.
The Rev Smyth, who is 73, said he had come to the decision in order to spend more time with his wife Kathleen, who has been ill. He informed local party members of his decision on Thursday night.
He is likely to be succeeded as candidate for South Belfast by Michael McGimpsey who paying tribute to Rev Smyth following the announcement declared his interest in standing for the Westminster seat.
In a statement Mr McGimpsey said: “I would like to pay tribute to the 23 years of service that Martin Smyth has given to the people of South Belfast.
“A party stalwart, he has served Ulster Unionism well in the constituency and I wish him well in his future endeavours.
“It is my intention to seek the candidacy for South Belfast in the forthcoming Westminster elections.”
A former Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Rev Smyth stood against David Trimble for the leadership of the UUP in 2000 and won more than 40% of the votes.
The UUP candidate for the South Belfast parliamentary constituency will be selected at a meeting to be held on February 24.
(MB)
The Rev Smyth, who is 73, said he had come to the decision in order to spend more time with his wife Kathleen, who has been ill. He informed local party members of his decision on Thursday night.
He is likely to be succeeded as candidate for South Belfast by Michael McGimpsey who paying tribute to Rev Smyth following the announcement declared his interest in standing for the Westminster seat.
In a statement Mr McGimpsey said: “I would like to pay tribute to the 23 years of service that Martin Smyth has given to the people of South Belfast.
“A party stalwart, he has served Ulster Unionism well in the constituency and I wish him well in his future endeavours.
“It is my intention to seek the candidacy for South Belfast in the forthcoming Westminster elections.”
A former Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Rev Smyth stood against David Trimble for the leadership of the UUP in 2000 and won more than 40% of the votes.
The UUP candidate for the South Belfast parliamentary constituency will be selected at a meeting to be held on February 24.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 April 2018
Racist Graffiti Reported In South Belfast
Graffiti depicting a hooded figure below the letters 'KKK' has appeared on a door in south Belfast. The graffiti was discovered just off the London Road in the Ravenhill area, less than a month after so-called "Islamophobic" leaflets were distributed in the area.
Racist Graffiti Reported In South Belfast
Graffiti depicting a hooded figure below the letters 'KKK' has appeared on a door in south Belfast. The graffiti was discovered just off the London Road in the Ravenhill area, less than a month after so-called "Islamophobic" leaflets were distributed in the area.
17 December 2014
Community Service For Bernadette Smyth
Bernadette Smyth, an anti-abortion protestor who was convicted of harassing a director at Belfast's Marie Stopes clinic, has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service. According to reports, the 52-year-old who is a leader of anti-abortion group Precious Life, must also pay £2,000 compensation to her victim.
Community Service For Bernadette Smyth
Bernadette Smyth, an anti-abortion protestor who was convicted of harassing a director at Belfast's Marie Stopes clinic, has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service. According to reports, the 52-year-old who is a leader of anti-abortion group Precious Life, must also pay £2,000 compensation to her victim.
04 November 2019
SF Won't Stand In Three Constituencies
Sinn Fein has announced it will step aside in three constituencies in next month's General Election, instead urging voters to support other pro-Remain candidates. President Mary Lou McDonald today announced they will not field Westminster candidates in East Belfast, South Belfast and North Down.
SF Won't Stand In Three Constituencies
Sinn Fein has announced it will step aside in three constituencies in next month's General Election, instead urging voters to support other pro-Remain candidates. President Mary Lou McDonald today announced they will not field Westminster candidates in East Belfast, South Belfast and North Down.
21 April 2010
SF's Maskey Withdrawn From Election Race
The news that Sinn Fein has withdrawn its South Belfast candidate Alex Maskey (pictured) from the General Election has been condemned as a political "stunt".
SF's Maskey Withdrawn From Election Race
The news that Sinn Fein has withdrawn its South Belfast candidate Alex Maskey (pictured) from the General Election has been condemned as a political "stunt".
09 June 2015
SDLP Leader To Stand Down From Assembly This Summer
SDLP leader Dr Alaisdair McDonnell is to stand down from the Northern Ireland Assembly this summer. A selection convention which will determine the person to be co-opted into the seat will take place on 25 June.
SDLP Leader To Stand Down From Assembly This Summer
SDLP leader Dr Alaisdair McDonnell is to stand down from the Northern Ireland Assembly this summer. A selection convention which will determine the person to be co-opted into the seat will take place on 25 June.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
