The SDLP has chosen the Belfast Lord Mayor, Mr Martin Morgan, to contest the European Parliament election in June.
Mr Morgan beat four other candidates, many of them establishment party figures, for the nomination at a selection convention in Cookstown, Co Tyrone at the weekend.
He will defend the seat held by Mr John Hume since 1979.
Mr Hume announced his decision not to seek reselection last month citing ill health.
Mr Morgan (37), a north Belfast councillor, emerged as a clear victor in the selection contest against former party chairmen Mr Alban Maginness and Dr Sean Farren; and against Mr Hume's aide, Mr Denis Haughey; and former West Tyrone Assembly member, Mr Joe Byrne.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Mr Morgan said: "One thing is clear from the party conference, people are full of energy, full of buzz and are up for a fight."