DEFA Minister to seek re-election

West Douglas MHK and Environment Minister John Shimmin is going to stand for re-election.

He says he's delayed the announcement until the public were told about the financial situation regarding the VAT agreement.

Mr Shimmin says he's spent recent months discussing his potential candidacy with a wide range of people and is reassured they consider his nomination worthy of support.

He intends to visit people's homes and hold three public meetings before the election in September.

Mr Shimmin, a former teacher, was first elected in 1996 and has previously been Minister for Transport and Home Affairs.