A FORMER Ulster Unionist MP plans to stand in next year’s local government election.
Danny Kinahan, who lost his South Antrim Westminster seat in June last year, has been selected by the UUP to fight for a seat on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Mr Kinahan (60) plans to stand in the Ballyclare district electoral area.
"I would have loved to have been standing in Templepatrick or Antrim, but Ballyclare has been part of my patch as MP and I’m keen to get back in," he told the Newtownabbey Times.
"I want to help the town, help business improve and helping residents with all their issues."
He confessed that he missed frontline politics.
"I’ve certainly found it a very odd year, not to have any role," he said.
"I’ve found that very frustrating and I want to get back in and helping people."
In February, The Irish News revealed that Mr Kinahan had joined forces with fellow former MP Alasdair McDonnell to create a new lobbying company.
The pair teamed up with ex-UTV journalist and Stormont special adviser Ray Hayden to launch Upton Public Affairs.
