Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy has announced that he will stand for election to the Seanad Éireann in January.
If elected, the Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh will step down from his Northern Ireland Executive role as Economy Minister.
Murphy has been a prominent member of Sinn Féin and has been a minister in multiple Executives, also serving as the party’s director of elections and chief negotiator.
He was first elected as a councillor on Newry and Mourne District Council in 1989 and was then elected to the Assembly in 1998.
This morning I lodged my nomination papers for election to Seanad Éireann.
— Conor Murphy (@conormurphysf) December 30, 2024
The all-Ireland economy is growing.
Constitutional change is coming.
My experience as Sinn Féin chief negotiator and Executive Minister will drive efforts for referenda and Irish reunification.
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she is “delighted” that Murphy is contesting the election.
Our goal is to ensure the voices of ordinary people across Ireland are heard in Leinster House. We will continue to have the backs of families, workers, and communities on critical issues, not least the housing crisis.
Representation from the entire island of Ireland is also essential, and I am delighted that Conor Murphy will contest the Seanad election.
With over thirty years of service as a Councillor, MP, and Assembly Member for Newry/Armagh, Conor brings unparalleled political and ministerial experience holding senior positions within the party and the northern Executive.
– Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald
Murphy told RTE News that the move was not a strategy from the party to bolster its team in the Republic after their disappointing result in the general election.
“It’s very much about the constitutional debate, it’s about the role I can play there,” he said.
Mary Lou McDonald confirmed that Murphy will “continue serving as a member of the Assembly and Economy Minister until the Seanad election concludes, after which we will assess the next steps.
