Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced that Economy Minister Conor Murphy will be stepping down from his role on medical grounds. According to O’Neill, Murphy’s doctor has advised him to take a break from his duties and he will be temporarily replaced until he is well enough to return. O’Neill expressed well wishes for Murphy’s speedy recovery and announced that former Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey will be filling in for him.
In a statement, O’Neill confirmed that Murphy had previously informed the Covid-19 Inquiry that he would not be able to attend a scheduled appearance due to health concerns. He was scheduled to appear before the inquiry on Tuesday but will not be able to do so.
As the Northern Ireland government continues its response to the ongoing pandemic, it is important for all elected representatives to prioritize their health and well-being. The Belfast Live homepage provides the latest news updates and readers can subscribe to the daily newsletter for more updates.