Campbell is DUP candidate

He said that he was looking forward to the election after being unanimously chosen as the DUP's candidate.

Mr Campbell polled 15,225 in the 2005 Westminster election.

He said that: "It is no secret that the votes of Northern Ireland MPs could be crucial in the next Parliament given the narrowing opinion polls.

"If so, it is all the more reason to ensure that effective and diligent candidates are returned who will speak up in Parliament and speak out in Northern Ireland."

In 1983 Mr Campbell was selected to contest the Foyle constituency in the general election of 1983. He contested the same seat again in the general elections of 1987 and 1992, although each time he finished second behind Social Democratic and Labour Party leader John Hume. Campbell won the East Londonderry seat at his second attempt in the 2001 general election, gaining a majority of 1,901 over sitting MP William Ross of the Ulster Unionist Party. He was re-elected in the 2005 general election, this time securing an increased majority of 7,498 over the new UUP candidate David McClarty. The Assembly member has topped the Londonderry East poll in the 1998 election, 2003, 2007 elections.