The Sinn Fein MP for Mid Ulster, Francie Molloy, has today announced that he will not stand for re-election in the forthcoming General Election this year.
Francie Molloy was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 as a member for Mid Ulster and was then elected as MP in 2013.
Due to Sinn Fein’s abstentionist policy, he does not attend Parliament in Westminster.
I will not be seeking re-selection for the next election.
— Francie Molloy MP (@FrancieMolloy) February 13, 2024
Representing Sinn Féin and the people of Mid Ulster for the past 39 years has been the greatest honour of my life.
I pass on the baton to a new generation with confidence.
It’s been a long road, but we’re almost there. pic.twitter.com/gqNMnKDX4h
Vice-president of Sinn Fein, Michelle O’Neill MLA, said that “Francie Molloy has made a huge contribution to politics and the peace process here.
“He was heavily involved in the early Civil Rights Movement, including the protest outside the Caledon Squat in 1968 which is often considered as the spark for people in their demand for better housing, better jobs, and civil rights.
“Francie has been involved in political activism his entire adult life, and has been elected many times as a Councillor, MLA, and MP and served as a member of the party’s Ard Chomhairle during some of the most era-defining stages of the peace process.
“I want to thank Francie for his lifelong contribution to ensuring people’s rights are respected, his Republican politics and his personal friendship.
“I have worked closely with Francie for many years and I’m confident that though he is retiring, he will continue to make a contribution in promoting equality for all in the time ahead.”
