A HIGH-profile cleric is taking a leave of absence to stand for election as an Ulster Unionist assembly candidate.
Rev Lesley Carroll, who has been a minister in north Belfast for more than three decades, is to try to convert her grassroots popularity into votes on May 5.
The Presbyterian minister, who is a regular in Radio Ulster's `Thought for the Day' slot, announced she has also stepped back from her role as deputy chief commissioner with the Equality Commission to fight the election.
She said she had decided to join the UUP rather than the DUP to better represent people who traditionally vote for nationalist and republican candidates.
"I've lived and worked here for over 30 years. It's my home and I care about all its people. There is so much good going on, but sometimes that story isn't told," she said.
Rev Carroll (53) is originally from Coalisland, Co Tyrone and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said he believes she would bring "fresh ideas, energy and an inquisitive mind" to Stormont.
