Sinn Féin to target four Assembly seats in West Tyrone

SINN Féin has announced it will field four candidates in West Tyrone for the May 2027 Assembly election, with Órfhlaith Begley MP joining sitting MLAs Nicola Brogan, Paul Boggs and Declan McAleer on the party’s ticket.

The announcement was made at a selection and campaign launch event in Strabane on Wednesday, where Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said the party was aiming to make history by contesting all four seats in the constituency for the first time.

Declaring that Sinn Féin was “standing four to win four”, Ms McDonald said the forthcoming election would be an opportunity for voters to make a stand for their future and that of their children and grandchildren.

She 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.”

Praising the four candidates, Ms McDonald described them as committed, dedicated and hardworking representatives who worked continuously for the people of West Tyrone.

She highlighted their record as part of the Sinn Féin team, including work to advance the A5 road project.

Órfhlaith Begley MP said it was a great honour to have the opportunity to contest the Assembly election, having represented workers, families and communities across West Tyrone as an MP.

She said she wanted children to grow up in a society with 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,” she said.

Ms Begley added that she would bring her experience, determination and commitment to the Assembly team to ensure West Tyrone received the investment, services and opportunities its people deserved.

Sitting MLA Nicola Brogan said the election represented an opportunity to make history by electing four Sinn Féin representatives in the constituency.

She pledged to continue working in local communities and the Assembly to ensure the voices of families, workers, businesses and rural communities were heard and 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,” she said.

Fellow MLA Paul Boggs, who described himself as a proud Strabane man, said he was proud to represent the party in the forthcoming election.

He identified better healthcare, decent homes, stronger local economies and greater opportunities for young people as priorities.

Mr Boggs also stressed the importance of supporting small towns, villages and rural communities, while ensuring workers and families struggling with the cost of living were put first.

He said the election provided an opportunity to be positive and forward-looking about the future, adding that the party remained determined to build a new and united Ireland.

Declan McAleer MLA said he was honoured to have been selected once again to contest the election on behalf of Sinn Féin.

He said people wanted a better future for themselves and their families in a new united Ireland, with strong public services in health and education, improved infrastructure, good jobs and housing.

Mr McAleer also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to standing up for farmers, supporting rural communities and fighting for a fair future across Ireland.

He said he looked forward to continuing to deliver support to people throughout West Tyrone as part of what he described as a stronger Sinn Féin team.