BY MARK MCKELVEY
SDLP assembly candidate Seamus Shields has rebutted suggestions that he would not complete a full term allowing a nominated deputy, believed to be former MLA Joe Byrne, to step into this position. A party source said the former SDLP MLA was the main organiser for the "Shields camp" and will assume the role of campaign manager and nominated replacement.
Mr Shields was outraged at the suggestion he would even consider such a move.
"I think we should dismiss any such suggestion. I wouldn't give any credibility to that sort of stuff – that is total rubbish," asserted Mr Shields. "If anybody could think that I would be so lacking in integrity that I would put my name on the ticket to enable some kind of backdoor entry for Joe or anybody else is rubbish.
"Unfortunately, over the years, Joe Byrne has been undermined relentlessly and I would expect by the very same source that is putting about that rubbish now," said Cllr Shields. "I think that suggestion is quite disgraceful."
In his address to party members at the selection convention in the Mellon Country Hotel on Sunday, Cllr Shields delivered a robust declaration that health problems would not be an impediment to serving West Tyrone in the Assembly.
"Some of you who have known me for a long time may have some concerns about my health and the effect it may have on my ability to represent the party as an MLA," he said. "Well, put you mind at rest.
"Yes, I have had two kidney transplants – one in 1976 and a second one in 1999; I have had a recent heart by-pass, and I have had a fairly recent cochlear implant which has greatly restored my hearing which was severely damaged years ago. However, despite all that renovation, I have never felt better or more fit to represent the interests of this great party."
Cllr Shields pointed out that since retirement, he has graduated, with first class honours, in Law and has recently qualified to practise. This involved driving to Belfast four days a week.
"So I believe I have the energy to be a full-time MLA and that would be my intention if elected," he said. He also said he has the strong support of his family, some of whom have "medical knowledge that I may be able to rely on if necessary".
Cllr Pat McDonnell, who leads the SDLP group on Omagh District Council, also refuted any suggestion that Cllr Shields would consider not completing a full term if elected.
"There is no indication of that at all. Seamus is a very enthusiastic politician and, if he is successful I see no reason for him stepping down for anyone. If Joe Byrne wanted to stand, I'm sure he would have found support."
Fellow SDLP candidate Dr Jo Deehan also gave her support.
"Seamus Shields is a man of remarkable stamina and ability and is health is absolutely not in question. He is in very good health and he is very well positioned to undertake a vigorous campaign in the run up to the election."
