Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Mr Séamus Mallon today ruled himself out of the SDLP leadership contest.
The 66-year-old deputy party leader surprised supporters by refusing to put his name forward to replace Mr John Hume.
The Newry and Armagh MP said: "I wish to announce that I will not be a candidate for the position of the leader of the SDLP following the decision by John Hume yesterday.
"It is my considered view that the party should elect a new leadership team - both the leader and deputy leader".
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