Sinn Féin have selected former Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Dáire Hughes, to contest the upcoming Westminster election in Newry and Armagh.
Mr Hughes is from the Meadow in Newry and was educated at StPatrick’s PS, St Colman’s College and is a graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast.
A former Shop Steward, he spent years working in the community voluntary sector in Newry and Armagh, with Community Restorative Justice and Iarchimi Ard Mhacha Theas.
Mr Hughes joined Newry and Mourne District Council, representing South Armagh, and served as its last and youngest ever Mayor.
Following his time on Council, he joined the Sinn Féin team in the European Parliament as political manager.
He played a leading role in Sinn Féin’s campaign against Brexit, “making sure there was no hardening of the border dividing Ireland and that the Good Friday Agreement was protected”.
In the European Parliament the Sinn Féin candidate for the Westminster election – which takes place on July 4 – was also part of a strong team that “stood up for Ireland, championing economic equality, supporting rural communities and defending Ireland’s neutrality”.
Since returning from Brussels, Mr Hughes has worked as part of the Sinn Féin leadership locally and nationally.
He is currently Sinn Féin Deputy General Secretary and, according to his party, has a keen understanding of issues facing workers and families right across Ireland.
Speaking after his selection, Mr Hughes said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the Sinn Féin candidate for Newry and Armagh.
“In this election you can send a clear message about what you want for the future. By voting for Sinn Féin on July 4th you are endorsing strong leadership, positive change, and a commitment to work for all.
“You have an opportunity to vote for decisions about your life and your future to be made here, at home. You are supporting better funding for our public services, and you are rejecting years of Tory cuts which have targeted workers and families.
“Change will only be delivered in the North by working together in the Executive and Assembly, but this election is our chance to send a clear message about the future we want.
“Let’s seize the opportunity to return the strongest Sinn Féin team and keep moving forward to a new and better future. On July 4th vótáil Sinn Féin X.”
