Castlederg SinnFéin

01/09/2026

From Monday, Paul Boggs will be Sinn Féin’s new MLA for West Tyrone, replacing Maolíosa McHugh.

As a local councillor, Paul has been a strong voice for workers, families and communities across West Tyrone.

He’ll bring that same determination to the Assembly as part of our strong all-island team.

Paul will continue to stand up for local people, strengthen public services and help build a better future in a new and united Ireland.

01/09/2026

We would like to wish Cllr Paul Boggs the very best as he will take on the role as a SF MLA for W Tyrone. Adh Mor!

Councillor Paul Boggs co-opted to replace Maolíosa McHugh in Assembly

Sperrin DEA Councillor Paul Boggs has been selected by Sinn Féin to fill the Assembly seat left vacant by Maoliosa McHugh’s retirement.

At a recent convention, Sinn Féin members unanimously endorsed Paul to represent West Tyrone in the Assembly.

Speaking after his selection, Paul Boggs said:

“I am both delighted and honoured to have been selected by Sinn Féin to represent West Tyrone in the Assembly. I want to thank all our local party activists for putting their trust in me as I take on this exciting new role.

“As a local councillor, I have worked tirelessly to support workers and families and to ensure our community has access to the best possible facilities, services and opportunities.

“I leave Council at an exciting time for the area, with the £115m City Deal funding secured for a new state of the art Leisure Centre; a Health Hub; a new North West Regional College and Active Travel Footbridge along with an additional €16.7m secured for Riverine Community Park Project and £7.3m for Strabane town centre Public Realm Scheme which is already well underway.

“These are projects I will continue to champion as an MLA along with our MP and local Council Team.

“I am committed to continuing that work in the Assembly, where I will work every day to better the lives of the people in West Tyrone, and to strengthen public services. This includes in our rural communities, smaller towns and villages.

“I look forward to working alongside the growing and dynamic all-island Sinn Féin team at this exciting time for politics on our island, with momentum for constitutional change continuing to grow.

“I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our outgoing MLA, Maolíosa McHugh.

“As a Councillor for the Derg DEA, as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and as an MLA for West Tyrone, Maolíosa has always striven to represent his constituents to the best of his ability while also contributing to the realisation and building of a new and united Ireland.”

“In that same vein, I too will do my very best by the people of West Tyrone and will continue to advance the case for a new Ireland which offers something better for everyone who calls this place home.”

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

McHugh announces he is stepping down as West Tyrone MLA

Sinn Féin MLA Maoliosa McHugh has announced he is stepping down as West Tyrone MLA.

He said: "As I will not contest the next Assembly election in May 2027 I have decided to step down on the 1st September 2026 prior to the commencement of the final term of the Assembly.

"It has been an honour to represent the people of West Tyrone as an MLA and before that as a Councillor in the Derg Ward in Derry City and Strabane Council over this past 15 years.

"I wish to thank all who voted for me in the elections I contested and wish to thank Sinn Féin for giving me the opportunity to fulfil the role as an elected representative on behalf of the party.

"I am indebted to my office managers, past and present, those employees who assisted me and the many volunteers who worked on my behalf.

"I also wish to express my appreciation of the support I received from my wife and family throughout this past 15 years in fulfilling my role as a public representative.

"To my successor I say 'Ádh Mór' in the immediate future and in the upcoming elections in May 2027.

"Finally, while I may be stepping away from frontline politics, I will continue to support Sinn Féin as we work towards and build a new and united Ireland for all."

31/08/2026

Go raibh mait agat Maolíosa!

Today, Castlederg Sinn Féin would like to pay tribute to Maolíosa McHugh as he steps down from his role as an MLA.

Maolíosa has given many years of dedicated public service to our community. From representing the people of the Derg Ward as a councillor, to serving as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, and most recently as an MLA, he has always worked tirelessly on behalf of the people he represented.
Throughout his years in public life, Maolíosa has been a strong voice for the wider Derg area and the people of West Tyrone. His commitment to our community, his accessibility and his willingness to stand up for local people have been evident throughout his career.
We want to place on record our sincere thanks and appreciation for the years of service Maolíosa has given to Sinn Féin and, most importantly, to the people of this area.
As one chapter comes to a close, we wish Maolíosa and his family every good wish for the future.
Go raibh míle maith agat, Maolíosa, for your service, commitment and dedication to our community. ☘️👌✌️

26/08/2026

340,000 homes across the North will receive a £100 voucher to help with paying for oil.

In the absence of serious action from the British government, Sinn Féin is doing all we can, with the very limited finances available here, to put money directly into people’s pockets.

But we know many more working families are struggling and are not being supported as they should be.

That is why we will continue to fight your corner, including meeting the British government to press for immediate and serious action to support all households.

25/08/2026

Finucane comments on High Court ruling against Parades Commission

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said: "Today's judgment needs to be carefully studied, but it is important to be clear about what it is and what it is not.

"The court has quashed a Parades Commission determination because of failings in how that decision was reached. It has not determined that an Orange Order parade should proceed down the Garvaghy Road, nor does today's judgment give permission for one.

"The people of the Garvaghy Road and Portadown have lived peacefully for 28 years and deserve to continue doing so. Drumcree came to represent deep sectarianism, bitterness and division, leaving wounds which have still not fully healed. Nobody should want to reopen those divisions.

"That is why the tribal and triumphalist reaction from some within political unionism today is so telling. Those declaring this a victory for unionism and loyalism should reflect on who exactly they believe has been defeated. The residents of the Garvaghy Road are not opponents to be defeated, and this should never become a contest where one community must win and another must lose.

"Our position is clear. We see no logic or justification for an Orange Order parade proceeding down the Garvaghy Road. If a fresh application is made, we will make representations to the Parades Commission firmly on that basis."

13/08/2026

👏Comhghairdeas to our Cumann member Grace Mc Dermott pictured at the launch of new book 'Women’s Voices - Hopes For a New Ireland' which she co-authored.

🇮🇪This is a fantastic piece of work and another really positive contribution to the growing conversation about what the future of Ireland can look like.

👩Change is happening right across our island and women must be at the heart of shaping what comes next.

💪The conversation about a new Ireland should belong to everyone. The more voices, experiences and ideas involved, the stronger it will be.

12/08/2026

On his 35th anniversary we remember local SF activist Patrick Shanaghan. Murdered as a result of collusion by loyalists and the British state. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam🙏