Neil Somerville, the new UUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone
FERMANAGH and South Tyrone MLA Neil Somerville has stood down from his role ‘due to stress’.
The Aughnacloy man, who lives in Clogher took a leave of absence two months ago due to “stress and wellbeing issues” and the announcement made on Monday means a replacement will now have to be named. The Herald understands the Ulster Unionist Party are holding a selection meeting on January 22 to make this decision.
The UUP confirmed on Monday Mr Somerville was to step down “due to stress”.
Commenting on his departure from the role party leader Mike Nesbitt said: “I am very sorry it didn’t work out for Neil. I was highly impressed with Neil during the course of the canvass that saw Tom Elliott returned as the MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and I look forward to working with him in the constituency in the future.”
Mr Somerville’s predecessor and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Tom Elliott expressed his sadness
at the news.
“He has always been helpful to me and others and it is unfortunate the he is unable to continue as an MLA. He always has the best interests of Fermanagh and South Tyrone at heart and I hope that we will see him play a full role in his local community in the future.”
The MP met with Mr Somerville on Monday in his office in Dungannon and said he was “in good form”.
Fellow Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Lord Morrow said he was saddened to learn the news.
“I have been made aware that Neil will not be returning to the Assembly for health reasons. I want extend my very best wishes to him and trust in time his health will recover.
“Our health is important and if Neil feels he is not well enough to carry on as an MLA then his decision is the correct one.
“I wish him well in the future and thank him for his contribution to the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency.”
The 42-year-old married father-of-four, was co-opted into the role back in June after Tom Elliott was elected to Westminster in May. In October a statement was released detailing Mr Somerville’s shock departure and at the time no date was set for his return.
Since Mr Somerville’s departure speculation has been rife on who will replace him.
At the time of Mr Somerville’s selection in June victims’ campaigner Kenny Donaldson and Erne North councillor Rosemary Barton were the two initially chosen to go before the UUP executive for final selection. However, after admissions from the party of votes being miscounted Mr Somerville was allowed through to the final stage and selected.
Mr Donaldson has already ruled himself out of the running, despite topping the initial selection poll in June.
Speaking in the Belfast Newsletter he said: “I am sorry to learn of Neil Somerville’s resignation. I wish him happiness and peace with whatever he does in the future.
“I am deeply privileged to have a role where I work with and hopefully support – some of the most humble and courageous people within our society.
“I will not be contesting the upcoming selection process and I apologise to those grassroots Ulster Unionists and non-party members from across the community who had encouraged me to do so.”
With Mr Donaldson ruling himself the favourite to replace Neil Somerville is councillor Rosemary Barton, a local representative since 2011, while other contenders could come in the form of councillors Robert Irvine, Howard Thornton, Victor Warrington and Chris Smyth.
Local UUP councillor Rosemary Barton would not comment on the possibility of her replacing Mr Somerville stating it was a decision for the executive of the party and not her.
She added: “I regret that Neil’s health has not allowed him to continue. I wish him all the best on his road to recovery.”
Applications in the party for the role are now open.
At the time of going to press Mr Somervile could not be reached for comment.
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