Former RUC man joins SF assembly team
A former Northern Ireland police officer, who was once also a member of the Orange Order, has been selected to join Sinn Fein's team in the region's Assembly.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
At a selection convention, republicans in Co Derry chose Coleraine councillor Billy Leonard to succeed veteran Sinn Fein politician Francie Brolly who had announced his retirement.
Mr Leonard's past links to the security forces, where he once served as a Royal Ulster Constabulary reservist, made him a surprise addition to Sinn Fein ranks when he first emerged on the political scene.
The 54-year-old is also a former member of the Orange Order and joined Sinn Fein in 2004 after he left the nationalist SDLP.
Over recent years, however, he has become a high profile Sinn Fein representative in the Coleraine area.
After he was selected to fill the vacant Assembly seat on Thursday night, Mr Leonard said it was an honour to have been chosen.
"The North West region is one of the most deprived areas on this island and it is important that we have strong leadership to ensure East Derry is given its fair share," he said.
"Sinn Fein is about giving strong leadership and I will be joining a team in Stormont who will stand strong for people's rights and for equality.
"We will be working to bring about prosperity to all the regions of this island by building an Ireland of equals."
He added: "I know that the workload of an MLA is daunting but I am prepared and with the help and support of a strong Sinn Fein constituency team I am sure we can deliver."
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