Declan Kearney

Declan Kearney was born in Antrim, the son of the late veteran civil rights activist Oliver, and Brigid Kearney.

He has deep personal roots in, and widespread family connections across South Antrim.

A lifelong Gael, Declan played football and hurling with Kickham’s Creggan GAC. He is a fluent Gaeilgeoir and contin– ues to support the promotion of Gaeilge throughout South Antrim.

Active in republican politics since 1980, Declan was first elected to represent the people of South Antrim in May 2016 when he succeeded Mitchel McLaughlin as Sinn Féin MLA. He has faithfully honoured his pledge to deliver for all constituents and actively promote equality, anti-sectarianism and reconciliation.

In January 2020 he was appointed a Minister in The Executive Office.

As the Sinn Féin National Chairperson, Declan is a key member of the Party’s leadership. He also serves as the politi– cal lead overseeing Sinn Féin’s Uniting Ireland strategy, and is the Party spokesperson on Brexit issues.