THE Ulster Unionist Party is seeking to co-opt a new assembly member for East Belfast after confirming the resignation of Michael Copeland.
The 61-year-old former UDR officer is said to have been suffering from depression recently and has been absent from Stormont from some time.
He resigned his MLA's post with effect from August 31, the assembly has confirmed.
In December last year Mr Copeland said he had attempted to take his own life months earlier.
He spoke of memory loss and being "in a dark and lonely place".
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt told The Irish News he was sorry to see Mr Copeland leave Stormont.
"As an elected representative Michael was good for us and good for me because he valued compassion above all else and relentlessly championed policies which put the rights and needs of people first, particularly the vulnerable," the Strangford MLA said.
"It is ironic that that very compassion has exhausted his capacity to continue in the role he cherished."
Mr Nesbitt said the former East Belfast MLA would remain a UUP member.
First elected to Stormont 14 years ago, Mr Copeland was forced to apologise in 2013 after suggesting US envoy Dr Richard Haass should "go home".
Last year, an investigation into the former MLA's claim that his wife Sonia, a Belfast councillor, was assaulted by a policeman during a city centre riot concluded Mr Copeland accidentally hit her himself.
Potential replacements include his wife Sonia, as well as fellow east Belfast councillor Chris McGimpsey.
There was also speculation that Mike Nesbitt's wife, former news reader Lynda Bryans, could also be co-opted to the Assembly.
However Mr Nesbitt last night ruled out any prospect of Mr Copeland being replaced by his wife, who has previously been linked with standing for election in East Belfast.
