The SDLP has announced its replacement MLA for former leader Margaret Ritchie in the Northern Assembly.
Seán Rodgers will take over the role vacated by Ms Ritchie in September when she stepped down as South Down MLA and party leader to concentrate on her role as MP in Westminster.
Mr Rodgers is the retired former principal of St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel, Co Down, and serves as councillor for the Mournes area.
He said he was honoured to have been chosen by the party to represent South Down in the Assembly.
“I will do everything in my power to help build a vibrant rural economy, to help tackle the problems facing farmers and fishermen in our communities, and to create jobs for people here,” he said.
“I would like to thank people for their support and I look forward to taking my skills gained through years of experience of working in and for the community to Stormont.”