Co-option as MLA for South Belfast and selection as Sinn Féin Westminster election candidate

“It is a privilege to serve Sinn Féin and the people of South Belfast. I am grateful for the selection to serve as MLA and to fight the Westminster election. I am resolved to push forward in this new role as MLA to build a better Belfast and to campaign vigorously to become the new MP for South Belfast,” said Máirtín O Muilleoir.

“I want to pay tribute to Alex Maskey who has spearheaded a generation of change in Belfast, first in Belfast City Council and then as an MLA for South Belfast. He is a formidable champion of communities right across Belfast and will scale new heights in his return to West Belfast.

“As MLA, I plan to double down on the work going on to build a stronger South Belfast — but I can only do that with the help and co-operation of people from right across the political divide. My priorities are to build the community of South Belfast by attracting jobs and investment, enhancing diversity and celebrating the arts, environmental and educational treasures of the area. My pledge is to be a bridge-builder and a relentless champion of positive change as a peaceful Belfast enters a bright new era.

“Ar ndóigh ní féidir dul chun cinn a dhéanamh gan cuidiú as gach taobh is gach cearn, cuma cad é an dearcadh atá daoine ar cheisteanna creidimh nó polaitíocht páirtí. Is le leas gach duine é polaiteoirí a bheith ag teacht le chéile, gach uair is féidir, ar mhaithe leis an phobal.”