Sinn Féin selects Philip McGuigan to contest 2027 Assembly election in North Antrim

Sitting Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan with the party’s deputy Dáil leader and finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TDPearse Doherty TD.

Friday 18 September 2026

Sinn Féin has selected sitting MLA Philip McGuigan to contest the 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly election in North Antrim, as parties begin preparing for voters to go to the polls next May.

McGuigan, who currently chairs Stormont’s Health Committee, confirmed his candidacy at a party event in the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle on Monday evening. The next scheduled Assembly election is on 6 May 2027.

McGuigan confirmed for North Antrim

McGuigan currently represents North Antrim for Sinn Féin and has served in the Assembly continuously since 2016, having previously represented the constituency between 2003 and 2007. He became Chairperson of the Assembly’s Health Committee in February 2025.

Pearse Doherty TD speaking at the selection event.

Speaking at the selection event, Sinn Féin deputy Dáil leader and finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said:

“Philip McGuigan is a leader, who embodies the spirit of public service and integrity, with an unwavering commitment to bettering our society.

“His work as the Chairperson of the Health Committee in the Assembly has been relentless, giving leadership on so many health issues important to people across all communities.

“Philip has been an elected representative, as an MLA and also as a councillor, since 2001 and will continue to do his absolute best for all the people and communities of North Antrim.”

McGuigan sets out election message

Confirming his selection, Philip McGuigan MLA said:

“I am honoured to have been selected to stand for Sinn Féin in the 2027 Assembly election in North Antrim.

“The coming election is an opportunity to return a stronger Sinn Féin team to deliver for workers, families and communities.

“It is an opportunity to choose hope and progress over division and resistance to change.

“And it is an opportunity to intensify the conversation about a new Ireland.

“Irish unity is a real and growing political possibility.”

North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan speaking at the Sinn Féin selection event.

Mr McGuigan added:

“Our politics must be positive and forward looking and about the future we are determined to build.

“For our young people to live here with access to good jobs, affordable homes and first-class education.

“For our older people to enjoy security, dignity and the care they deserve.

“For workers to receive fair pay and for families to have reliable public services.

“It is for our towns, villages, and rural communities to share equally in economic progress.

“That is why elections matter. That is why every vote matters.

“And the upcoming election gives us an opportunity to write the next chapter in North Antrim’s story.”

Assembly election scheduled for May 2027

North Antrim will elect five MLAs at the next Assembly election, alongside the other 17 constituencies across Northern Ireland. McGuigan is one of the constituency’s current representatives and was re-elected at the last Assembly election in May 2022.

The UK Government confirmed in 2025 that the next scheduled Assembly election remains set for Thursday 6 May 2027, when Northern Ireland’s next local government elections are also due to take place.