Politics

Snap election would trigger reduction in number of MLAs

A snap election would see a reduction in the number of MLAs
A snap election would see a reduction in the number of MLAs A snap election would see a reduction in the number of MLAs

IF the political fall-out of the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal triggers an early election, it would bring into force new legislation reducing the number of assembly members.

Following a law passed earlier this year, only 90 MLAs will be elected to the next assembly, with five members being returned in each constituency rather than six.

The number of MLAs will reduce from the current 108 - a loss of 18 seats.

The changes are likely to have a bigger impact on smaller parties including MLAs who gained the last few seats in May's elections.

People Before Profit's Eamonn McCann, who was elected at the eighth stage in Foyle, and the SDLP's Alex Attwood, elected at the last count in West Belfast, are among those who could be in trouble.