Former MLA John Dallat comes out of retirement to be SDLP's East Derry Assembly candidate

Former MLA John Dallat has come out of retirement after just eight months to run as the SDLP's East Derry Assembly candidate in the forthcoming election.

Mr Dallat will be the SDLP's only candidate in the constituency after he defeated serving MLA Gerry Mullan and Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Roisin Loftus for the nomination over the weekend.

It is understood that Mr Mullan is unhappy at being deprived the opportunity to run again for the seat he successfully won eight months ago.

Mr Dallat said he had been inspired to come out of retirement following the RHI scandal.

It is not yet known whether he will return a sizeable retirement package he was awarded upon his departure as an MLA if re-elected.