Givan selected as MP's Assembly replacement

LISBURN councillor Paul Givan has been selected by the DUP to take the seat of Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson when he steps down from the Northern Ireland Assembly in the summer.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th May 2010, 11:28 BST

Updated 27th May 2010, 12:15 BST

At a meeting on Thursday evening Mr Givan was selected by the party's Lagan Valley Association as a replacement for Mr Donaldson who will vacate his Assembly job this summer to give more time to his workload as Westminster MP. It is part of the DUP policy to end so called double jobbing.

Talking about his selection Mr Givan said he was 'delighted' to receive the party's support.

"To replace Jeffrey Donaldson is a daunting task as he is one of the most capable politicans in Northern Ireland" Mr Givan said.

"I relish the opportunity now given to me."

Mr Givan continued: "I stood three years ago for the Northern Ireland Assembly election and I received 3300 votes in that election so I can go forward knowing I have received support already.

"I will work tirelessly to represent the constituents of Lagan Valley."

Mr Givan has been working as a special advisor to Environment Minister Edwin Poots.