A veteran SDLP councillor has said the controversy over a court reference he provided for an Irish soldier convicted of rape was "a factor" in his decision not to seek re-election in 2027.
Brian Tierney announced on Wednesday that he would stand down next year from Derry City and Strabane District Council.
It comes more than a year after he was suspended by his party and lost the party whip after providing a court reference for Kielan Mooney, who was jailed for eight and a half years for raping a woman who was also serving in the Irish Army.
Following his suspension, the SDLP launched an investigation, which subsequently concluded with Tierney's reinstatement in April 2025.
'A hugely difficult time'
In his statement announcing his decision not to stand for re-election in 2027 on Wednesday, the former mayor made no reference to the controversy over his reference.
But speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme on Thursday, Tierney described it as "a hugely difficult time" and acknowledged its impact on his decision.
"It was a difficult time for many people, not just for me, and I would be lying if I said it didn't factor into my thoughts," the current leader of the SDLP grouping on the council told the programme.
"Of course it did, but many other things factored into my thoughts as well.
"The main factor in my decision was the time I am able to offer to the role and I suppose the dedication that the people who elected me need and I am unable to provide that at the moment just due to other things I am involved with, so that has been the main factor in this, and I am looking forward to a change," he said.
Tierney said he first put his name forward for election in 2013 because he wanted to improve the lives of his neighbours and said it had been a huge privilege to represent the people of Ballyarnett for almost 14 years and to have had the opportunity to serve as mayor.
But he acknowledged that being a political representative was "a tough balancing act" and paid tribute to his family, saying his wife Cheryl, their children and wider family had been incredibly supportive and understanding of his life in office and he looked forward to having more time to spend with them.