The Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition spokesman, Mr Breandan Mac Cionnaith, announced yesterday that he would not be seeking re-election to Craigavon Borough Council in the North's local government elections on June 7th.
First elected as an Independent community councillor to Craigavon Council in 1997, Mr Mac Cionnaith said his decision not to seek a second term in office put the onus on both the SDLP and Sinn Fein to provide effective and meaningful representation for Portadown nationalists.
Mr Mac Cionnaith said it had never been his intention to seek a long-term political career, and although he would no longer be a councillor he remained committed to continuing his involvement with local community organisations in the Portadown area.
Referring to the forthcoming local elections, Mr MacCionnaith asked nationalists to fully exercise their right to vote for the party of their choice.
However, he stressed the need to be mindful, when voting, for having on-the-ground representation.
Portadown's other Independent community councillor, Mr Joe Duffy, also announced he will not be seeking re-election.