Sinn Féin have co-opted Martin Hearty to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as their new councillor for the Slieve Gullion DEA (District Electoral Area).
He replaces Aoife Finnegan, who was chosen to replace Conor Murphy as an MLA for Newry and Armagh after his election to the Seanad.
I am proud and honoured to have been selected for co-option to Newry Mourne & Down Council to replace Aoife Finnegan, who has taken on the role of MLA for Newry & Armagh.
I have worked closely with Aoife over many years and know the great work she has done for the people of Crossmaglen and wider area.
I will endeavour to ensure that service to the people continues and that their voices are heard.
– Cllr Martin Hearty
Hearty is a former journalist who has worked for several newspapers and outlets, but he joined Sinn Féin as a press officer in 2015.
In 2017, he was appointed as a policy advisor on climate change, the environment and fisheries as part of the party’s Assembly staff.
Aoife Finnegan, MLA for Newry and Armagh, said, “Martin will be a fantastic representative for this area. Along with all our team of Sinn Féin representatives, we will work together to deliver on the issues that matter to our families, workers and communities”
“I am proud and honoured to have been selected for co-option to @nmdcouncil to replace Aoife Finnegan, who has taken on the role of @sinnfeinireland MLA for Newry & Armagh”
— NewryArmagh SinnFéin (@newryarmaghsf) March 8, 2025
Cllr Martin Hearty pic.twitter.com/TzctlzzEne
