Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile resigns from the Seanad on medical grounds

Mr Ó Donnghaile has been the Sinn Féin leader in the chamber since 2020, having been elected in 2016. He is a former Lord Mayor of Belfast. File photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has announced his resignation from the Seanad on medical grounds.

Mr Ó Donnghaile has been the Sinn Féin leader in the chamber since 2020, having been elected in 2016. He is a former Lord Mayor of Belfast.

Speaking today, he said: "Since the summer recess, I have been unable to attend the Seanad on the advice of my doctor. It is unlikely that this situation will change in the short term. Therefore I feel the best decision for myself, my family and the party going forward is to resign from the Seanad and step back from public life.

"It has been a great pleasure over the course of many years to first of all serve the people of the Short Strand as a councillor, the people of Belfast as Mayor and latterly giving a voice to those in the North in the Seanad. But the time is now right for me to step aside from this public role.

"I want to thank those who have supported me over the years and to my family and friends, particularly in the Short Strand, and to my party colleagues for their support during my time in frontline politics."

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said in a statement: "I want to wish Niall Ó Donnghaile the very best for the future as he announces his resignation from the Seanad.

"Niall has served in the Seanad for almost eight years giving voice to northern nationalists in the Oireachtas.

"Niall served diligently during that period, and indeed prior during his time as a member of Belfast City Council and as Ardmhéara Beál Feirste.

"In particular, Niall made a valuable contribution to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

"I hope that Niall can overcome the health challenges that he has had to deal with over the past number of months, and I wish him and his family the very best for the future."