Aoife Finnegan to replace Conor Murphy as MLA

Aoife Finnegan has been selected by Sinn Féin to become a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA).

She replaces former Economy Minister Conor Murphy, who stood down from his position after he was elected to the Seanad (Irish parliament's upper chamber) last week.

At a convention on Saturday, Sinn Féin members unanimously endorsed Finnegan for the position in Newry and Armagh.

Finnegan, from Crossmaglen, has served as a Sinn Féin councillor for the Slieve Gullion area of Newry, Mourne and Down council since 2020.

The former Southern Regional College student has been a Sinn Féin activist since she was a teenager.

Speaking after her selection, Finnegan said she was "delighted and honoured" to represent Newry and Armagh.

"I want to thank all our local party activists for putting their trust in me as I take on this exciting new role.

"As a local councillor, I have worked tirelessly over many years to support workers and families and to ensure our community has access to the best possible facilities and opportunities."

Finnegan said she looks forward to "continuing that work" in the assembly, working alongside a "growing and dynamic all-island Sinn Féin team".

"I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our outgoing MLA and new Seanadóir (Senator), Conor Murphy," she added.

"Conor has been a titan in Irish politics for over three decades, and he will now bring his wealth of experience and energy to Leinster House, placing Irish unity at the top of the agenda in the Senate."