Rodney McCune has been selected as the Ulster Unionist Candidate for South Belfast for the forthcoming General Election.

Rodney McCune said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been selected by my Party to contest the South Belfast seat at the forthcoming Westminster election.

“Over the coming weeks I look forward to further engaging people on their doorsteps offering my vision of how South Belfast could be better represented at Westminster in the future.

“I am hugely proud of coming from Belfast, and I believe our city has only realised a fraction of its full potential as a modern, attractive and tourist friendly European city.

“Not only am I delighted to be contesting the election in my home city but in the constituency where I live with my wife and family.

“In the past South Belfast has been held by the Ulster Unionist Party and I am convinced that the Ulster Unionist Party is best placed to win South Belfast in 2015.”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said:

“Rodney has all the characteristics to make an outstanding elected representative having previously worked as a barrister and gaining many years of experience walking the corridors of power at Westminster as an adviser.

“Rodney has demonstrated his commitment to Northern Ireland when he moved back to start a family in South Belfast. As he has given up the security of a job, there is no doubting his commitment and desire to represent the people of South Belfast at Westminster.

“I am also conscious this news will come as a disappointment to the other shortlisted candidate, Councillor Jeff Dudgeon. I have every confidence Jeff will continue to offer a first class service to the people of South Belfast on the newly constituted Belfast City Council which takes power next month.”

Michael McGimpsey, Ulster Unionist MLA for South Belfast, said:

“I am 100% behind our candidate and look forward to canvassing with Rodney in the weeks ahead.”