This Friday politicians from west Belfast are set to give Simon Cowell a run for his money as they stage the SF factor.

Sinn Fein’s quest for a ‘pop idol’ will see many local councillors, MLAs and party members take to the stage to try and win the coveted title.

Among those grabbing the mic at the Felons Club on the Falls Road this Friday are Paul and Alex Maskey, Jennifer McCann, Sue Ramsey and Fra McCann.

Also joining the local faces is Euro MEP Mary Lou McDonald.

Speaking to The CT Sue Ramsey said she hoped the community would “Dig Deep” to help raise money for local charities.

Sue will join with four other party members in the ultimate portrayal of girl power.

“I will say we are doing a Spice Girls number,” she said, “But that is all, if people want to find out which hit we are performing they will have to come along on Friday night.”

Sue, who was a judge at a similar event in Dublin last year, said it was a much different feeling now she was facing the judges with a mic in hand.

She continued: “We don't have a note in our head or boogie in our body but we're still going to win, no doubt about it.

“The Maskeys think they're going to win, Jennifer McCann reckons she's going to do it, but no chance.”

However fellow MLA Paul Maskey disagreed. Due to perform alongside brother Alex and nephew Conor Maskey he said: “We're keeping our act a secret because we don't want anyone else stealing our idea before the big night.

“Like true professionals we don't need to get too much practice, especially when there's not much competition.”