Sinn Féin has announced a reshuffle of their frontbench team at Stormont following Conor Murphy‘s election to the Seanad.
Murphy has held a number of Executive positions throughout his time as MLA for Newry and Armagh, most recently as Minister for the Economy when he was appointed in February 2024 when power-sharing was restored.
Let’s take a look at the new frontbench team.
Caoimhe Archibald
Caoimhe Archibald will replace Conor Murphy as Minister for the Economy.
She got her first ministerial job last year when she was appointed Minister of Finance.
First elected as an MLA in 2016, she represents East Londonderry.
Speaking on X, Archibald said: “Delighted to be appointed Economy Minister & I look forward to building on Conor Murphy’s good work.
“The economic plan sets us on the path towards a stronger, fairer & more prosperous economy. I look forward to working with all partners to deliver on all aspects of the plan.”
John O’Dowd
John O’Dowd is a familiar face in Sinn Féin’s ministerial teams, he has served as Infrastructure Minister since the Executive was restored last year.
He is replacing Caoimhe Archibald as Finance Minister, as she moves to the Department for the Economy, replacing Conor Murphy.
He has previously been Minister for Education between 2011 to 2016, and also held the Infrastructure portfolio from May 2022 until October 2022.
Liz Kimmins
Liz Kimmins has been promoted to her first ministerial post, she will take charge of the Department of Infrastructure.
She was first co-opted to the Assembly in 2020 to replace Megan Fearon as a Newry and Armagh MLA, and was then re-elected in 2022.
She has also been serving as Chair of the Health Committee, a role she will now give up.
Speaking on X, Kimmins said: “Delighted to have been appointed as Infrastructure Minister today.
“As part of a strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive, I am determined to work with all ministers to continue leading positive change and improving the lives of workers, families, and communities.”
First Minister and Vice-President of Sinn Féin 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.”
Northern Ireland Executive
