12/02/2007

Candidates to hand in nomination papers

Northern Ireland election candidates will today begin to hand in their nomination papers for the Assembly election on March 7.

It is understood that as devolved government is expected to resume on March 26, more candidates than the previous Assembly election in 2003 are expected to put themselves forward to be elected to the posts in the 18 constituencies.

The DUP will be trying to keep their place as the party with the most seats in the Assembly as well as the biggest unionist party, while Sinn Fein will be attempting to remain the largest nationalist party.

Although, the SDLP and UUP, pose the biggest threat to both the DUP and Sinn Fein, outside candidates opposed to the St Andrew's Agreement will be also putting themselves forward for places.

Other party's battling to hold onto their Assembly seats are the PUP and the Alliance Party, as well as new contenders such as the Green Party, the Conservatives and the UK Independence Party.

Nomination papers will be handed in at centres in Belfast, Londonderry, Ballymena, Glengormley, Banbridge and Omagh throughout today and tomorrow.

(EF/SP)

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