The Democratic Unionist Party selected Alderman Frank McCoubrey, current High Sheriff of Belfast, as its candidate for the West Belfast constituency in the 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly election.

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson stated that boundary changes have placed more than enough unionist votes in the constituency to elect a member of the legislative assembly. He called on unionists to unite behind McCoubrey to secure the seat, warning that divided support would lead to defeat.

Robinson said McCoubrey knows West Belfast and has served the area for years, positioning him to consolidate unionist votes for a win at Stormont.

In separate comments at Stormont, Robinson criticised delays to the UK Government's Troubles legacy legislation. He noted that the committee stage, expected on a recent Tuesday, is now postponed for at least a month.

All UK police investigations into Troubles-related killings ended in May 2024 under the prior Conservative government's Legacy Act, which also created the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

Labour's proposed bill, part of a framework with the Irish government, aims to establish a reformed legacy commission with expanded powers. Robinson described the government's repeal and replace commitment as lacking substance, with no priority given to victims or veterans.

He predicted the bill will not pass this year or in 2026, stating internal Labour divisions over veteran protections are contributing to the hold-up ahead of local elections in England, Scotland, and Wales.