Sinn Féin this morning nominated six candidates to contest the elections to Seanad Éireann. Party Leader Mary Lou McDonald said “This is a strong national team who if elected will join 39 TDs in the Dáil as a significant, very potent force in Irish political life. Central to their agenda will be advancing the planning and preparations for Irish re-unification.”
- Industrial and commercial panel – Conor Murphy MLA
- Cultural and educational panel – Pauline Tully
- Agricultural panel – Joanne Collins
- Labour panel – Chris Andrews and Maria McCormack
- Administrative panel – Nicole Ryan
Mary Lou McDonald added, “Today we nominated six candidates to contest the elections to Seanad Éireann. This is a strong national team who if elected will join 39 TDs in the Dáil as a significant, very potent force in Irish political life.
“They are standing to represent the hopes and ambitions of the hundreds of thousands who voted for Sinn Féin and other parties because they believe politics must change. People who want to see the housing crisis sorted, an end to the trolley crisis, support for families under pressure with the cost of living, hope and opportunity for our young people who are leaving our shores for a better future
“They will also be a strong and consistent voice for Irish reunification in the Oireachtas as we prepare for the constitutional change. It is critical that we plan for and manage the change that is coming and the Seanad can play a leading role in that work.”
Conor Murphy, Sinn Féin Assembly Member for Newry/Armagh, party chief negotiator, and Executive Minister will be contesting the forthcoming election to the Seanad on the Industrial and Commercial panel as the Six County Cúige nominee.
This marks a very important step in ensuring that there is a strong northern voice in Leinster House. Conor’s candidacy underscores the Sinn Féin commitment to representing the entire island of Ireland, promoting the All-Ireland economy, and crucially advancing the Irish Unity debate in the Oireachtas.
His extensive experience—spanning over three decades as a councillor, MP, and Assembly Member—makes him uniquely qualified for this role. He holds senior positions in the party as chief negotiator and as a national party officer and member of the Ard Chomhairle. He has held key positions in the northern Executive, including Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Finance, and currently Minister for the Economy. Through these roles, Conor has been a consistent champion for Irish Unity, the All-Ireland economy, infrastructure, and connectivity, particularly in the border region.
Conor played a central role in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement and has been deeply involved in every significant political negotiation since. His work as Sinn Féin’s chief negotiator and his engagements with both the Irish and British governments, as well as with political unionism, have been instrumental in driving progress. His candidacy represents a continuation of our mission to build a united Ireland and promote mature and inclusive dialogue about our shared future with everyone who shares this island.
Our focus remains on delivering for families, workers, and communities on critical issues like the housing crisis and building a fairer Ireland. Conor’s candidacy is another step forward in that effort.
