ACTOR James Nesbitt has endorsed the SDLP's Strangford assembly candidate Conor Houston.
The Bloodlands star described his friend as a "man of great integrity".
The pair worked together on the project Connected Citizens, a programme that sought to start an inclusive conversation about the future of Northern Ireland.
Co Antrim-born Nesbitt (57), a former Ulster University chancellor, said: “It’s election time again in Northern Ireland and please god not the same old, same old.
1 Week Until #AE22
— Conor Houston (@ConorHouston_) April 28, 2022
Thanks to my friend, actor James Nesbitt for endorsing my campaign!
Next Thursday, you can vote for change!#VoteHouston #No1 #Strangford @SDLPlive
Full exclusive story via @NArdsChronicle - https://t.co/XIVMWQJ1Wv pic.twitter.com/CkmetLhx8C
"I really hope that the next assembly is the most progressive one we’ve ever had, that it finally makes sectarian politics a thing of the past here and it delivers on the peace dividend that people voted for across this island in 1998."
He urged the Strangford electorate to give the SDLP candidate their "number one vote".
Mr Houston, who is standing as an assembly candidate for the first time, welcomed the celebrity endorsement.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support I have received since announcing my decision to run... and this endorsement from my good friend Jimmy Nesbitt means a lot to me," he said.
