A Belfast councillor who helped organise the SDLP’s civil rights anniversary programme has decided not to stand for re-election.

Tim Attwood said he respected the outcome of the vote on partnership with Fianna Fail and the will of his party’s members.

He said his politics remained rooted in the social democratic and labour tradition embodied by the SDLP.

“I have the greatest respect for the leadership of the SDLP and recognise that in a post-conflict situation there is a natural and wider debate about political realignment on this island.

“The reality is my politics remains steadfastly rooted in the social democratic and labour tradition embodied by the SDLP and parties of the Party of European Socialists.

“I was not an advocate of the SDLP and FF partnership but respect the outcome of the vote and the will of the SDLP members.

“I have decided that I cannot stand electorally for the party but will remain a member of the SDLP.”