The SDLP confirmed tonight Mr Seamus Mallon would not put his name forward for the post of Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland.
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Mr Seamus Mallon
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Mr Mallon was forced to relinquish the job in July when UUP leader Mr David Trimble resigned in July as First Minister, as part of his drive to get the IRA to start decommissioning.
Mr Mallon, the MP for Newry and Armagh, hinted when he stood down as deputy leader of the SDLP when John Hume announced his retirement as leader, that he would not seek office in the vote for new First and Deputy Ministers.
The SDLP will now meet in the next few days to select a nomination for the position.
Stormont Finance Minister and incoming SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan is expected to replace him.
An Assembly vote to fill the posts is expected to be held at Stormont next week. Mr Trimble meets with the 120-strong Ulster Unionist Executive later this week to get an endorsement for him seeking to return to his position.
