Sinn Féin to target four Assembly seats in West Tyrone

SINN Féin has announced Órfhlaith Begley MP will join current West Tyrone MLAs., Declan McAleer, Nicola Brogan and Paul Boggs. in standing in the Assembly election in May 2027.

She is the fourth of the party’s Westminster representatives who has been announced as a candidate for next year’s Stormont election.

Speaking at the election launch event in Strabane on Monday night, party president, Mary Lou McDonald, said: “Next May, voters will go to the polls here in the North to vote, in the most important elections in generations.

"These elections are an opportunity to make a stand for your future. For your children’s future and for your grandchildren’s future.

“To stand up against those who want to drag us back to the past and to say very clearly that there will be No Going Back.

“Here in West Tyrone, Sinn Féin is aiming to make history by winning four seats; Órfhlaith Begley MP will join Declan McAleer, Nicola Brogan and Paul Boggs as our candidates.

“Sinn Féin is standing four to win four.

“Every one of them is committed, dedicated, and hardworking.

“They work non-stop every day for the people of West Tyrone and have delivered so much as part of the Sinn Féin team over many years such as advancing the A5.”

Órfhlaith Begley has served as an MP for the West Tyrone constituency since 2018, succeeding Barry McElduff.

Speaking after her selection , she said: “As an MP I have stood up for workers, families and communities across West Tyrone, and it is a great honour to have the opportunity to run for the Assembly election.

“I want our children to grow up in a society where they have access to good education, decent jobs, affordable housing and high-quality healthcare.

“If elected I will continue to be a voice for local people and help strengthen public services. Ensuring the delivery of the A5 without any further unnecessary delays.

“I will bring my experience, determination and commitment to Sinn Féin's team in the Assembly to ensure that West Tyrone gets the investment, services and opportunities our people deserve."

Strabane man, Paul Boggs, is seeking to retain the seat he was co-opted to fill following the retirement of Maolíosa McHugh.

He said: “I am proud to represent Sinn Féin in West Tyrone as a candidate in the upcoming Assembly Election.

“As a proud Strabane man, I will work for better healthcare, decent homes, stronger local economies and greater opportunities for our young people in particular.

“As an MLA for West Tyrone I want to ensure sufficient support is given to our small towns, villages and rural communities and that workers and families struggling with the cost of living are put first.

“We have an opportunity in this election to be positive and forward looking about the future, we are determined to build a new and United Ireland.”

Nicola Brogan added: “Next year’s Assembly election in West Tyrone is a chance to make history by electing four Sinn Féin MLAs.

“I will continue to work relentlessly, both within our communities and in the Assembly to ensure that the voices of local families, workers, businesses and rural communities are not only heard, but listened to.

“A vote for Sinn Féin next May is a vote for progress and for a future where every family, every worker and every young person has the opportunity to thrive, as we build towards Irish unity.”

Declan McAleer said he was “honoured” to be selected once again to contest the election.

“Our people want to see a better future for themselves and their families in a new united Ireland,” he said.

“People want strong public services in health and education and infrastructure, as well as good jobs and housing.

“Sinn Féin remains committed to standing up for our farmers, supporting rural communities, and fighting for a fair future across Ireland.

“I look forward to working to deliver support to all our people in West Tyrone in the future.

“As part of a stronger Sinn Féin team we can continue working towards a better future in a new and united Ireland."