Doherty confident as SDLP bottles it

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says it appears that the SDLP has thrown in the towel in West Tyrone in advance of the May elections. He was responding to reports that the SDLP West Tyrone constituency party is recommending they withdraw from the Westminster contest so Dr Ciarán Deeney can have a free run against Doherty.

"This is further evidence of the decline in the SDLP and their acceptance that they no longer appeal to the nationalist and republican people of West Tyrone," said Doherty. "It would also seem to signify that they are unable to find a credible candidate to fight the election.

"Sinn Féin has consolidated our position as the voice of nationalism West of the Bann and will continue to do so. Perhaps it's time that the SDLP accepted this reality in other constituencies also.

"Sinn Féin has seen off candidates from all of the other parties at previous elections and I am confident we will see off any proxies for other parties this time around."