THE Ulster Unionist Party MP for North Belfast, Mr Cecil Walker (71), has secured his constituency association's nomination to contest the Westminster general election next year.
Earlier this year Mr Walker threatened to resign the UUP party whip and contest North Belfast as an independent unionist, claiming that right wing elements within his constituency association were conspiring to deselect him as MP.
His re selection came after his main rival, Mr Nelson McCausland, a Belfast city councillor, withdrew from the race. Mr Walker polled 62 votes against four for his sole opponent, Mr Jack McDonald.