Caoimhe Archibald has been named as the new Economy Minister in a Sinn Féin ministerial reshuffle following Conor Murphy’s resignation.
Former Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd will replace Ms Archibald as Minister of Finance, and his previous position will be filled by health committee chair MLA Liz Kimmins.
Murphy quit his job at Stormont after being elected to the Irish parliament’s upper chamber.
He secured one of the 60 seats available with the support of Sinn Féin TDs and councillors.
Seanad Éireann is the Upper House of the Oireachtas in the Republic of Ireland and is comprised of 60 Seanadóirí, or Senators, eleven of which are nominated by the Taoiseach and 49 elected.
The republican veteran secured his Seanad seat close to 1am on Monday morning after a lengthy count at the home of the Oireachtas parliament at Leinster House in Dublin.
He contested a seat on the Industrial and Commercial panel and is expected to use his new role to advance the debate for a united Ireland.
Murphy vows to drive momentum towards Irish unity after winning Seanad seat
Reflecting on his move south, Mr Murphy made clear his job would be to advance the debate on Irish unification and bring a “northern perspective” to the conversation around planning for constitutional change.
He said he also would lean on his ministerial experience to focus on issues around creating and maintaining all-island economic links.
John O’Dowd has been moved to the Department of Finance.
In a statement, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I am delighted to announce that I have today refreshed the Sinn Féin front bench and my ministerial team.
“These changes will bring renewed energy, determination and focus as we drive forward our agenda to deliver for workers, families and communities. Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald will take on the critical economy portfolio to build on the work of Conor Murphy.
“Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd will move to finance and will be replaced in Infrastructure by Chair of the health committee, Liz Kimmins MLA. Phillip McGuigan MLA will replace Liz Kimmins as Chair of the health committee.
“I am proud of the enormous efforts and commitment of Sinn Féin ministers over the past 12 months, securing additional funding for public services, moving to improve workers’ rights, tackling regional inequality and progressing key road projects like the A5.
“I am fully confident that our refreshed front bench will bring new energy and renewed focus to our ambitious programme of positive and progressive change.”