The Former General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing Professor Pat Cullen has confirmed she will be seeking the nomination to stand as Sinn Féin candidate in the Westminster election for the Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituency.

Pat Cullen said: “I will be seeking the nomination to stand for Sinn Féin in Fermanagh & South Tyrone in the upcoming Westminster election.

“I have been in contact with my employers at the Royal College of Nursing to inform them that I have allowed my name to go forward to a selection convention being held in the constituency this week.

“It has been the honour of my life to have served in the RCN and to provide leadership every day to hundreds of thousands of hardworking nurses and healthcare staff who always prioritise the delivery of high-quality care to patients.

“After much consideration, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step forward in to the political arena to champion the issues and opportunities for the community I love, and that is what I am fully determined to do.

“This election is an opportunity to vote for a new and better future.

“It is also an opportunity to support better funding for our public services and to reject years of cruel Tory cuts which have targeted frontline services, particularly health.

“By voting for Sinn Féin, people can endorse strong leadership, positive change and a commitment to work for all.”