Commenting on news that her long-time friend and colleague Francie Molloy is to step down from elected politics Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill MLA said: 

”Francie Molloy has made a huge contribution to politics and the peace process here. 

“He was heavily involved in the early Civil Rights Movement, including the protest outside the Caledon Squat in 1968 which is often considered as the spark for people in their demand for better housing, better jobs, and civil rights. 

“Francie has been involved in political activism his entire adult life, and has been elected many times as a Councillor, MLA, and MP and served as a member of the party’s Ard Chomhairle during some of the most era-defining stages of the peace process. 

“I want to thank Francie for his lifelong contribution to ensuring people’s rights are respected, his Republican politics and his personal friendship. 

“I have worked closely with Francie for many years and I’m confident that though he is retiring, he will continue to make a contribution in promoting equality for all in the time ahead.”