Ruane surprise as Sinn Fein select two

Ruane surprise as Sinn Fein select two

18 January 2017

ONE of Sinn Fein’s most high profile politicians sprung a major surprise at the start of the party’s election campaign when she confirmed she will not be standing.

South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane — a former Education Minister and the Assembly’s principal deputy speaker — is quitting the Assembly after 14 years.

The party has selected Crotlieve councillor Sinead Ennis to contest her seat and she will be standing alongside Chris Hazzard, Stormont’s current Infrastructure Minister.

Ms Ruane said it has been an “honour and privilege” to represent the people of South Down in the Assembly for the last 14 years, explaining that during this period she has been involved in assisting the growth and development of the peace process “to create a better society for all our citizens.”

She continued: “During that time I have had the pleasure of serving as Education Minister, abolishing the eleven plus exam, tackling underachievement, improving educational attainment and excellence for all, investing in the Irish medium sector and delivering the largest school building programme in decades.

“I was also proud to promote equality issues in the Assembly at every opportunity; equality for the LGB&T community, for Irish language speakers and for women. As a lifelong feminist I was honoured to have been selected twice by all parties to chair the Assembly’s women’s caucus.”

Ms Ruane said it was her “privilege” to serve as principal deputy speaker but has decided not to put her name forward for selection for the next Assembly election. 

“Sinn Féin has continued to grow in the South Down constituency, as it has across the island, and I have no doubt that local activists will choose a strong team to go before the electorate. They will have my full and enthusiastic support in any upcoming election, in which I will acting as an election agent,” she continued.

“This will be a hugely important election and it is vital that people have the opportunity to call time on the DUP’s arrogance and put respect and equality at the heart of the political institutions. I want to thank all of the people of South Down and the party in the area for the support and trust they have shown me over the years and I look forward to the continued growth of Sinn Féin in the area.”

Ms Ruane also thanked her family for the love and support they have given her over the years.

Councillor Mick Murphy, who was replaced by Ms Ruane at the Assembly, thanked her for her many years of solid work. 

“Caitríona has fought for human rights on three continents as well representing the electorate in South Down for well over a decade. As Minister of Education, she introduced measures which have dramatically improved education performance across society.The statistics bear this out. That is a legacy to be very proud of,” he added.

Ryan Morgan, who convened a recent selection meeting when councillor Ennis was chosen to contest Ms Ruane’s seat, paid tribute to the outgoing MLA.

He added: “Caitríona has been to the forefront in defending and advancing LGB&T and Women’s rights and contributed hugely to the development of Sinn Féin policies in these areas. It has been an honour to have worked with you and I look forward to the future.”

Mrs Ennis said it was a great honour and a privilege to be nominated to replace Mrs Ruane.

“It is a special privilege to be chosen by your peers and the hardworking activists in the constituency of South Down, the constituency that was the birthplace of Irish republicanism,” she said.

“I believe this is the most significant election since 1981, when Bobby Sands was elected while on hunger strike.The days of inequality and Irish nationalists being treated by unionism as second class citizens are over. Irrespective of the outcome of this election, there will be no return to the status quo.