A freelance journalist who covers political matters for the Belfast Telegraph is to stand as a candidate in next month’s Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

Brian Rowan, a former BBC security editor who covered major developments in the peace process, will run in his home constituency of North Down as an independent candidate.

He said it had not been an easy decision to make, but he believed he had made the right one, and he would be a voice for the peace process and for the politics of peace.

He said: “In my journalism I have reported on the worst of this place, but I’m convinced we are now very close to something that not that long ago was unthinkable – politics involving everyone and a community at peace with itself.

“We need more voices prepared to acknowledge the progress that has been made.

“There are big decisions to be made on policing and justice and a debate to be had on how we deal with our past.

“Given my journalism and the knowledge I have of a wide range of thinking, I believe I could contribute to that debate.”

Brian said there were also other issues of concern to be addressed, including violence and drugs problems in the community.

He said: “I’m not going to tell people what’s best for them. I’m going to listen with a promise to raise their concerns.

“Politicians don’t always know best – and I’m hearing an opinion that there is a need for more thinking outside the party political box.”

Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly will take place on March 7.

In the run-up to the elections Brian will not report on political issues.

He is currently working as a freelance writer and broadcaster, having left the BBC in December 2005 after more than 20 years.

He is also the author of three books on the peace process.