More candidates have been announced by Sinn Féin in for next years’ Council elections, however other parties are yet to declare any candidates for the elections in May.

Former Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff, is one of three candidates put forward by Sinn Féin to contest in the Omagh DEA.

He is joined by current sitting Councillor, Barry McColgan and Anne Marie Fitzgerald who moves from Mid Tyrone to contest the Omagh seat.

Mr. McElduff stepped down from his position as MP for West Tyrone following the controversial video he posted of himself balancing a Kingsmill loaf on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill Massacre.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter Mr. McElduff has now drawn a line under said he is now looking forward to the challenge of the Council elections.

“The last time I was elected to local government was 2000 to 2010. Everything has changed. Omagh and Fermanagh have amalgamated. It will be a most interesting challenge. I have to say this I am not taking anything for granted.”

The former MP has said that there has been “quiet, solid support” for him to move back into politics.

“I have received a lot of encouragement from people to return to front line politics. I have had a period of time out and I have received a lot of encouragement from people for my re-emergence in local politics. I think anyone who knows me knows I am genuine and speaking the truth so I am going to put behind me the experience of 2018, a difficult experience and I am going to go forward, re-emerge and play my part within the wider Sinn Féin team and as a public representative who has always tried my best for people and I will continue to do that.”

In Mid Tyrone the party have new candidates Pádraigín Ní Cheallaigh, Catherine Kelly and Kevin Mc Colgan along with sitting Councillors Seán Donnelly and Seán Clarke.

The SDLP are still to confirm any candidates in next year’s elections however Erne East Councillor Garbhan McPhillips is hoping to stand again.

“There hasn’t been a decision made yet but I probably will be putting myself forward. Hopefully I will be selected to run again.

“I would love to continue on the work I have been doing. It has been a real honour and privilege the position I have been in in the last few years so hopefully I get the opportunity to run again.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor for Erne East Alex Baird has said he is still considering whether to stand in May.

“I am considering it. We haven’t selected for Erne West or Erne North yet. I have got to look at my age, I have got to look at my health and how would I feel.

“Every party is in the same position. Some will be running again, some won’t, some will be elected again some won’t. I’m 71 now and thank God my health is pretty good so I’ll see.

“Whenever the vacancy is called I will make my mind up then,” he said.