SOUTH Down MLA Karen McKevitt's decision not to contest the next assembly election paves the way for two new SDLP candidates to stand in the constituency.
Downpatrick councillor Colin McGrath and Sinead Challinor-Bradley, daughter of former MLA PJ Bradley, are hoping to contest the seat alongside sitting assembly member Sean Rodgers.
The party's candidates will be selected a special convention on Sunday, October 18.
Mr McGrath was widely tipped to be co-opted to the assembly in 2013 as a replacement to Margaret Ritchie but lost out to former grammar school principal Mr Rodgers, an ally of SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell.
Mrs McKevitt (44) was elected to the assembly in 2011, when the party took two seats in South Down.
Speaking yesterday, she said she had enjoyed 11 "wonderful years" as a political representative, firstly as a councillor on Newry and Mourne District Council.
She said she decided not to seek the party's nomination "after much soul-searching".
Dr McDonnell described Mrs McKevitt as an "excellent servant" to the people of South Down.
"Karen’s passion for public health has been unrivalled by any MLA from any party," he said.
"Her work on the provision of defibrillators, for example, has undoubtedly saved lives in South Down and beyond."
Meanwhile, veteran Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has confirmed that he will not contest the next assembly election.
The 73-year-old Strangford MLA was first elected to Ards Borough Council in 1995 and has sat in the assembly since the first post-Good Friday Agreement election.
