Declan McAleer

Declan is married to Geraldine and they have three children, Tárlach, Ríoghnach and Donnchadh. He joined Sinn Féin as a teenager and is the party spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Chairperson of the AERA Committee in the Assembly.

Declan was first elected to Omagh District Council in 2005, holding on to a seat previously held by his late father, Barney and was Chairman of Omagh District Council from 2010-2011.

Declan is a qualified Lecturer in Psychology and has taught in Omagh College and in Dean Maguirc College, Carrickmore. He has played a key role in progressing strategic projects, including the A5 dual carriageway, the Strule Educational campus, Project Stratum to bring superfast broadband to the west and maximising community uptake of the Rural Development Programme.

He spearheaded the £1 million Loughmacrory Strategic project and is heavily involved in assisting other groups and organizations across the constituency in developing community projects. Declan is a member Loughmacrory Community Development Associa– tion and actively involved in the GAA.

He played an active role in the CAP Reform process and and is heavily engaged in shaping agriculture, environment, climate and rural policy. Declan has introduced a Private Members Bill in the Assembly to restore the ANC Hill farm payment and has a strong track record of standing up for West Tyrone.