Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is “delighted” that Michelle Gildernew is back on the Fermanagh South Tyrone ticket for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

The former MP was dropped at the beginning of February and was replaced by Phil Flanagan, who had been dropped at the first selection convention meeting. The party held a third selection convention and Ms. Gildernew was chosen as their fourth candidate.

Asked if the situation is an embarrassment to Sinn Féin, Mr. McGuinness replied: “Different constituency associations have their own autonomy in relation to the selection of candidates. At the same time, I am very conscious that as a member of the Sinn Fein national executive we also have a responsibility to ensure that the slate of candidates who represent us are a slate of candidates that we believe is truly representative of the people in the constituency – the decision has now been made, Michelle is on the ticket and I am really pleased about that.”