Philip McGuigan to replace Daithí McKay as North Antrim MLA

Philip McGuigan has been selected for co-option as the North Antrim MLA for Sinn Féin.

He will replace the former MLA for the area Daithí McKay, who resigned after being accused of ‘coaching’ Jamie Bryson ahead of his appearance before a Stormont Finance Committee inquiry into NAMA.

Mr McKay denied that he had coached Mr Bryson but admitted that communications had taken place between the pair.

Party whip Carál Ní Chuilín said that she looked forward to working with Mr McGuigan.

"Following consultation with Sinn Féin activists in North Antrim, the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle has approved the selection of Philip McGuigan for co-option as the new MLA for the constituency,” she said.

"Philip is an excellent public representative and has served as a councillor in the area since 2001 and was an MLA for North Antrim from 2003 to 2007.

"I have no doubt that with Philip's return to the Assembly will continue to provide first class representation to the people of North Antrim.

"I wish him well and look forward to working alongside him in the Assembly."