It was announced today that the Episcopal Electoral College for the Diocese of Down and Dromore, meeting in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, has elected a son of the Diocese of Raphoe, Archdeacon David McClay, as the new Bishop of Down and Dromore. He succeeds the Rt Revd Harold Miller who retired at the end of September.

The Venerable David McClay is Archdeacon of Down and Rector of Willowfield Parish Church, in East Belfast. He was previously Rector of Kilkeel and has served his whole ordained ministry to date in the Diocese of Down and Dromore.

The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, said: "I wish to congratulate David McClay on his election as Bishop of Down and Dromore. An experienced parish clergyperson and archdeacon, he has a strong reputation as someone with a heart for the dispossessed and lonely, and I would wish him and his family God's blessing and every fulfilment in his future ministry."

The bishop-elect said: "I would like to ask people to pray that I would always be a godly leader, that I would be one who would be faithful to Christ, and that I will always give my best in the role of a bishop in God's Church, enabling the Church of Ireland in Down and Dromore and in Ireland to thrive."

Following approval by the House of Bishops, the bishop-elect will be consecrated as a bishop on a date to be determined.