MIKE NESBITT, a former UTV news anchorman, has resigned from his post as one of the North’s four victims’ commissioners to stand in the Strangford constituency in the forthcoming British general election.
Mr Nesbitt is hoping to win Iris Robinson’s former DUP seat for the Ulster Unionist Party-British Tories under the umbrella of UCUNF (Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force).
While Ms Robinson, who recently stood down as Strangford MP, was more than 13,000 votes ahead of her UUP rival in the 2005 British general election, the UUP believes it has a real chance of winning the seat due the controversy over her personal and financial affairs and because Mr Nesbitt is such a high-profile candidate.
Mr Nesbitt (52), who is married to UTV newsreader Lynda Bryans, said that Strangford was a former traditional UUP seat and he believed he could win it back. He said his interest in the seat pre-dated Ms Robinson’s resignation.
“From the first discussions I have been arrogant enough to think I can win the seat and I was basing that at the time on the expectation that I would have to unseat Iris Robinson,” he said.
Mr Nesbitt resigned as a victims’ commissioner yesterday. His former colleagues in the commission, Bertha McDougall, Brendan McAllister and Patricia McBride, wished him well. “Michael has been steadfast and committed to the work of this commission since its inception, and his contribution will be missed by his colleagues,” they said.
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will have to fill the vacancy on the commission.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, who has been formally reselected to stand in West Belfast in the Westminster elections expected in April or May, has disclosed that his wife Colette is suffering from cancer.
Mr Adams, the Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, told supporters on Tuesday night that his wife Colette was informed a month ago that she was suffering from cancer which required an operation last Thursday. “It went well and she is in good spirits,” he said.
Ms Adams in a statement said it was a “great shock” to learn she had cancer. “Last week, I had major surgery. Afterwards, I was told by the consultant that he believed the operation to have been a success, although more tests will follow,” she said.
She thanked the medical staff who treated her and her family and friends for their support.