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Roisin Mulgrew, a former Sinn Féin Councillor and Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, has announced she has joined political party Aontú. Mulgrew served as a councillor for both Slieve Gullion and Newry City from the 2014 local government election until December 2022.
Confirming the move, Mulgrew said: "I have joined Aontú. As you will know, I have previously been involved in politics, and I am fully aware of the work involved and the importance of representing and listening to individuals and the community."
She outlined her reasons for aligning with the party, citing its core positions on life, unity and economic justice. "The main values of Aontú are Life, Unity and Economic justice, I share these values. So many of us are sick of distraction politics, shouting about experimental puberty blocking drug trials on children and not a word about the fact that children wait for an average 55 weeks for cardiology appointments or 5 years for autism assessment."
Mulgrew also raised what she described as a contradiction in how society views loss of life. "We recognise miscarriage as the terrible loss of life but a child lost by abortion was nothing. This is such a contradiction. Life is life."
On economic matters, she was critical of how working families are treated. "Working families should be rewarded for working not penalised. Workers and their taxes support all of our services but they are constantly being overlooked in terms of governmental support. While the MLAs give themselves a 27% pay rise, they have allowed taxi drivers transporting special needs children to have their contracts slashed while their costs have gone through the roof."
She was equally critical of Stormont's record. "We have had 27 years of Stormont and it is not delivering. Waiting lists grow, infrastructure declines, and services struggle."
Mulgrew acknowledged the road ahead will not be straightforward but said she was clear-eyed about what joining Aontú means. "I do not underestimate the challenges ahead but Aontú is up for that challenge. It is time for politics that listens to and delivers for everyone. Time for change is now!"
