IN the end it came as no big suprise but Martin McGuinness has officially confirmed his intention to contest the Foyle constituency in the May Assembly election against the SDLP.
The deputy First Minister currently represents Sinn Féin in Mid Ulster.
But party election strategists believe switching him back to his home town could help them pick up an extra seat.
The SDLP holds three seats in Foyle to Sinn Fein’s two.
Now McGuinness will lead the party’s to win the ‘Battle of the Foyle’.
Mr McGuinness made the announcement while giving a keynote speech to 600 party members gathered at the Millennium Forum today.
He said: “I would like to take this occasion to confirm that I will indeed be seeking the nomination to contest that election in the Foyle constituency.
“I am doing so because I believe Sinn Féin can emerge in the future as the largest political party in the North.
“I believe I can help to build on the fantastic work that Maeve McLaughlin and Raymond McCartney have already been doing.
“Of course there is more to be done and I want to see that work through. I want to see this city and region thriving and making the most of the massive potential that we have here.
“The best way to achieve that is a stronger Sinn Féin Assembly team in Foyle.
“Team Sinn Féin is better for Derry and, if I am successful in seeking the party nomination, I firmly believe that I can help us take three seats in this constituency.”
He added that it wasn’t been an easy decision to make.
“I have served as an MLA and MP in Mid-Ulster for 19 years and it has been my great honour and privilege to do so,” he said.
“I have a very deep affection for the people of South Derry and East Tyrone.
“I leave Mid-Ulster with a heavy heart but also safe in the knowledge that Sinn Féin has never been stronger there.
“We now have an MP, 3 MLAs and 18 Councillors.
“I am privileged to have played a part in that growth and the benefits that such strong Sinn Féin leadership has brought to the constituency.
“But Derry is home and I want to be part of similar growth here.
“So these are exciting times for me.”
The SDLP are not phased by McGuinness’s return.
The party says it is looking forward to getting out and telling the voters the truth about Sinn Fein in government with the DUP over the welfare reform shambles.