Stormont’s Economic Minister, Conor Murphy, is stepping down due to health reasons. This was announced by Michelle O’Neill, the vice-president of Sinn Féin. In Conor’s absence, Deirdre Hargey, the former executive minister, will serve as the acting holder of his ministerial position.
“Tonight, Conor Murphy is relinquishing his ministerial duties due to medical issues,” Michelle O’Neill relayed this message. “His doctor has advised him to take a break and further medical examinations will be performed.”
“We, his fellow members, are wishing Conor a swift and full recovery,” Michelle continued. “In the meantime, I will nominate Deirdre Hargey to serve as the interim Economy Minister while Conor recovers.”
Deirdre Hargey stepped in to represent Belfast South in the Northern Ireland Assembly after taking over Máirtín Ó Muilleoir’s post in 2020. Before holding her present position, she was the Minister for Communities from 2020 to 2022, and served as the Lord Mayor of Belfast between 2018 and 2019.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.