16/09/2004

Former Lord Mayor retires from politics

Former Lord Mayor of Belfast Martin Morgan has announced he is to retire from politics.

The SDLP councillor said he planned to concentrate on his professional career and would not be standing at next year's local elections.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan described the news of Mr Morgan's retirement as "a loss to front line politics".

Party colleague Alban Maginness also expressed regret at the news, saying he had made a "very real and impressive contribution to the party and Belfast City Council".

Mr Morgan is believed to have informed his party of the decision several weeks ago saying he wanted to concentrate on his social work career.

He recently failed in a bid to replace former party leader John Hume as an SDLP MEP in the European Parliament.

(MB/GB)

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