He has been a member of the Stormont Assembly for 26 years, representing Newry and Armagh. He has long served as Sinn Féin's chief negotiator in talks with the British and Irish governments as well as other parties.

Additionally, he has held the finance and regional development positions. He will leave the Assembly if elected.

Mr. Murphy will run in the industrial and commercial panel for the Seanad election.

His candidature highlights Sinn Féin's dedication to representing the whole island of Ireland, boosting the All-Ireland economy, and furthering the Irish unification discussion in the Oireachtas, according to a statement released by the party's leader, Mary Lou McDonald.

"With over thirty years of service as a Councillor, MP, and Assembly Member for Newry/Armagh, Conor brings unparalleled political and ministerial experience holding senior positions within the party and the northern Executive," she stated.

As the party currently works to further develop our All-Ireland political project, he contributes a vast amount of experience. As a border constituency representative, he has continuously defended the All-Ireland economy, connectivity, and infrastructure.

According to Ms. McDonald, Mr. Murphy will remain in his capacity as the economy minister and a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly until the conclusion of the Seanad election. Following the election, they will determine the next course of action.