Kimmins named new Infrastructure Minister as Murphy elected to Seanad

Newry & Armagh MLA has been appointed Stormont’s new Infrastructure Minister as part of a re-shuffle.

Sinn Féin have had to re-jig who holds their Executive seats following the election of Kimmins’ former Newry & Armagh colleague, former Economy Minister Conor Murphy, to the Seanad.

Making the announcement, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I am delighted to announce that I have today refreshed the Sinn Féin front bench and my ministerial team.

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“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.

Conor Murphy MLA. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.Conor Murphy MLA. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Conor Murphy MLA. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

“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.”

Ms O’Neill continued: “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.

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“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.”

The party has not yet announced who will replace Mr Murphy as an MLA for Newry & Armagh.

News that he had won a seat in the upper chamber of Irish government was confirmed shortly after 1am and followed a lengthy vote count at Leinster House.

He will sit as a member of the Industrial and Commercial Panel.

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Mr Murphy has been in politics locally since 1989 when he became a member of Newry & Mourne District Council, representing the Fews ward until 1997.

He became an MLA for Newry & Armagh in 1998, and was the constituency’s MP from 2005-2015.

Held in high regard by his political colleagues, he was Sinn Féin’s chief negotiator during many talks and also held the Regional Development, Finance and Economy ministerial portfolios during his time at Stormont.

Speaking after his election to the Seanad this morning, Mr Murphy said he would use that ministerial experience to focus on issues around creating and maintaining all-island economic links.

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“Northern voices are needed in the Oireachtas to give an all-Ireland perspective and I believe that my election to the Seanad underscores Sinn Féin’s commitment to representing the entire island of Ireland, promoting the all-Ireland economy and advancing the Irish unity debate.

“Throughout my time in politics, I have worked to ensure that the voices of ordinary people across Ireland are heard. Representing a border county, I have been consistent in championing the All-Ireland economy, our infrastructure and our connectivity. That work will continue during my time in Leinster House.

“As the island prepares and plans for constitutional change, Sinn Féin is committed to playing our part in driving a mature, inclusive dialogue across Ireland and in Britain.

“Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were elected on manifestos that gave strong commitments on preparing for Irish Unity, and I intend to hold them to those commitments.

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“Our proposals and the work of the Sinn Féin Commission on the Future of Ireland reflect our dedication to achieving reunification and a peaceful, prosperous, and shared future for everyone who shares this island.

“Sinn Féin will work with all parties to realise that aim, ensuring that momentum continues to grow and that the necessary preparations are put in place, and I believe that my experience as a Minister in Stormont and as a negotiator will bring a positive influence to the debate.”

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