Maolíosa McHugh Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election
Maolíosa McHugh has confirmed that he will not be standing for re-election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in the upcoming 2027 election.
McHugh, a Sinn Féin assembly member representing the West Tyrone constituency since 2019, becomes the second member of his party to declare that he will not contest the assembly election scheduled for May 2027.
Reflecting on his tenure, McHugh, who previously served as mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, described representing his party and constituents as "the honour of my life."
"I have endeavoured without prejudice to serve all in the constituency,"
he added, emphasizing his commitment to his role as a member of the legislative assembly (MLA).
"I have taken every opportunity to further the cause of a new and united Ireland and to promote the Irish language as something to be shared by all,"
McHugh stated that he will continue to fulfill his duties as an MLA in the coming months but has made his decision to allow for strategic planning aimed at continued growth and a successful election campaign in 2027.
This announcement follows a similar decision by Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy, who confirmed in February that he will also not seek re-election next year.
Political Career and Background
McHugh’s political career began in 2011 when he was elected to Strabane District Council representing the Derg ward. He maintained his position as a councillor following the 2015 merger of local authorities that created the Derry City and Strabane District Council. During his tenure, he served a term as mayor from 2017 to 2018.
Notably, during his time as mayor, McHugh defended his decision to refuse a meeting with then Prince Charles.
In the 2019 elections, McHugh lost his council seat but was quickly selected by Sinn Féin to fill a vacant assembly seat for West Tyrone. He was subsequently elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022.
