New Sinn Féin roles revealed as party announces major Stormont reshuffle

Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill with their new front bench at Stormont
-Credit:Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye


Sinn Féin have announced a major reshuffle of their ministers after former Economy Minister Conor Murphy was elected to the Seanad in the early hours of this morning.

Former Finance Minister Caomihe Archibald has been moved the Department for Economy and former Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has been moved to the Department of Finance.

Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins has been promoted to Infrastructure Minister with Philip McGuigan to replace her as chair of the Health Committee.

READ MORE: "Blatant sectarianism" row at Stormont over £700,000 for Derry school's pitches

READ MORE: Watch Rory McIlroy's adorable video from daughter Poppy after Pebble Beach victory

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking following the announcement Michelle O’Neill said: "I am delighted to announce that I have today refreshed the Sinn Féin front bench and my ministerial team.

“These changes will bring renewed energy, determination and focus as we drive forward our agenda to deliver for workers, families and communities. Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald will take on the critical economy portfolio to build on the work of Conor Murphy.

“Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd will move to finance and will be replaced in Infrastructure by Chair of the health committee, Liz Kimmins MLA. Phillip McGuigan MLA will replace Liz Kimmins as Chair of the health committee.

“I am proud of the enormous efforts and commitment of Sinn Féin ministers over the past 12 months, securing additional funding for public services, moving to improve workers' rights, tackling regional inequality and progressing key road projects like the A5.

“I am fully confident that our refreshed front bench will bring new energy and renewed focus to our ambitious programme of positive and progressive change.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Conor Murphy was appointed as Economy Minister exactly one year ago today when Stormont returned after two years, although he was no stranger to the Executive, having served previously as Minister for Regional Development and Minister of Finance.

Having served five years in prison after he was convicted of IRA membership and possessing explosives in 1982, Conor Murphy was first elected as a councillor in 1989. He then went on to serve as an MLA between 1998 and 2012 and as MP for Newry and Armagh between 2005 and 2015. Murphy returned to the Assembly in 2015.

Last year Conor Murphy temporarily stood down from his role as Economy Minister on health grounds and later revealed that he had suffered a “mini-stroke”.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.