Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has confirmed that the party has ratified its first candidates to stand in the upcoming Westminster election on Thursday 4 July.

Speaking after a meeting of the party’s And Chomhairle, Michelle O’Neill said:

“I am pleased to announce the first of our candidates for the upcoming Westminster election on Thursday 4 July, with a number of selection conventions still ongoing.

“Sandra Duffy will run in Foyle, Catherine Nelson in Upper Bann, Cathal Mallaghan in Mid Ulster, Dáire Hughes in Newry/Armagh, Chris Hazzard in South Down, Paul Maskey in West Belfast, Declan Kearney in South Antrim and Philip McGuigan in North Antrim.

“In this election people can send a clear message about what they want for the future.

“By voting for Sinn Féin people are endorsing strong leadership, positive change, and a commitment to work for all.

“People have an opportunity to vote for the decisions about their lives and their future to be made here, at home, to support better funding for our public services, and to reject years of Tory cuts which have targeted workers and families.

“Change will only be delivered in the North by working together in the Executive and Assembly, but this election is our chance to send a clear message about the future we want.

“Let’s seize the opportunity to return the strongest Sinn Féin team and keep moving forward to a new and better future.”