Paul Boggs has said he was inspired to enter politics by ‘our chieftain and former deputy First Minister, the late Martin McGuinness’ in his Maiden Speech at Stormont.

The former councillor said: “Martin's contribution to creating peace on the island, his commitment to the communities and people whom he represented and his determination to ensure that the rights of all citizens were available, upheld and respected has led us to the much better place that we are in today.”

Mr. Boggs said he was deeply honoured to take his seat as the new Sinn Féin MLA for West Tyrone.

" As this is my first time to speak in the Chamber, I send my best wishes to my predecessor and good friend, Maolíosa McHugh. Over many years, Maolíosa served his constituents well as a councillor for Derg district electoral area (DEA), mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and MLA for West Tyrone.

“It is a privilege for me to follow on from Maolíosa and a long list of first-class republican representatives, including Pat Doherty, the late Claire McGill and Michaela Boyle, who all served in the House. I intend to serve the people of West Tyrone with the same energy, enthusiasm and determination as they did, while playing my part in the journey towards a better, fairer and more inclusive Ireland,” he said on Tuesday.

Mr. Boggs was co-opted as MLA for West Tyrone after Mr. McHugh announced his retirement from front-line politics at the start of the month.

The Strabane-native previously served as a councillor for the Sperrin District Electoral Area (DEA) after topping the poll in the constituency in the 2023 local council elections.

"Having been born after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, I recognise the huge progress that has been made in our society,” he said.

He pointed to recent new school builds at Strabane Academy, Holy Cross College and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh.

He also spoke of progress on City Deal projects, which, he said, ‘will totally transform Strabane town, providing a new health hub, a new North West Regional College building, an active travel footbridge, the long-awaited town leisure centre and the recent investment in the town centre public realm scheme’.

"In other areas, we have seen much-needed investment in community spaces, such as the castle site and Mitchell Park in Castlederg. Recently, Lidl has announced its confidence in investing in that growing and thriving community.

"In rural areas such as Newtownstewart, Glenmornan, Clady and Aghyaran, community spirit is at the heart of everything that people do. They, in particular, need our support to continue to grow,” he declared.

The new MLA also referred to the importance of the Derry to Aughnacloy Western Transport Corridor.

"Looking forward, I remain fully committed to the building of the A5. Too many in my constituency have had devastation visited on their families, workplaces and communities. That road must be built, most importantly to improve road safety and save lives but also to ensure that we improve connectivity across the island,” he said.