Sinn Féin’s Maolíosa McHugh to step down as West Tyrone MLA after 15 years in public office
Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh has announced he will step down as West Tyrone’s representative on September 1 2026, bringing an end to 15 years in public office that spanned council chambers, the mayoralty and the Assembly.
McHugh 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."
Mr. McHugh was first elected in 2011 to the Strabane District Council, representing the Derg Ward. He was then re-elected to the merged Derry City and Strabane District Council in 2015, during which time he served as Mayor in 2017-18.
He was subsequently co-opted to replace Michaela Boyle MLA in West Tyrone in 2019 and has represented the constituency since.
Mr. McHugh is originally from the Mournebeg townland between Aghyaran and Castlederg.
Previously when McHugh announced in April that he would not stand for Sinn Féin again in the next year he said: “It has been the honour of my life to represent Sinn Féin and serve the people of the Derg Ward and West Tyrone.”