Andrew Muir (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Muir
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| Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | |
| Assumed office 3 February 2024 |
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| First Minister | Michelle O'Neill |
| Preceded by | Edwin Poots (2022) |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for North Down |
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| Assumed office 23 December 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Stephen Farry |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Andrew David Muir
9 July 1976 Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Northern Irish |
| Political party | Alliance |
| Alma mater | University of Ulster |
| Occupation | Politician |
Andrew Muir (born 9 July 1976) is a Northern Irish politician. He has been the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs since February 2024. He is a member of the Alliance Party. He serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the area of North Down.
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Andrew Muir's Journey in Politics
Andrew Muir studied Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University, graduating in 1999. Before becoming a full-time politician, he worked as a Senior Project Manager at Translink. He also held other jobs, including one at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Starting in Local Council
Andrew Muir began his political journey in 2010. He joined the North Down Borough Council that year. In 2011, he was elected to the council for the Holywood area. He received a good number of votes in that election.
In 2013, Andrew Muir made history. He became the first mayor in Northern Ireland who openly represented the diversity of the community. He served as mayor of North Down Borough Council from 2013 to 2014.
He was re-elected to the council in 2014. This was after the local government changed, combining Ards and North Down councils. He ran alongside another Alliance candidate, Kate Nicholl.
In 2019, Andrew Muir was re-elected to the council again. He received the most votes in his area. His running mate, Gillian Greer, also won a seat.
Becoming a Member of the Assembly
In 2019, Andrew Muir became an MLA. He took the place of Stephen Farry, who became a MP. This made Andrew Muir one of the first MLAs to openly represent the diversity of the community in the Assembly.
In the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Andrew Muir was re-elected as an MLA for North Down. He and his running mate, Connie Egan, both won their seats. Andrew Muir received a large number of votes, showing strong support for the Alliance Party in his area.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Taking on a New Role
On 3 February 2024, Andrew Muir was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. This happened when the Executive of the 7th Northern Ireland Assembly was formed. He became the first government minister in Northern Ireland to openly represent the diversity of the community.
Key Decisions and Actions
As Minister, Andrew Muir has made several important decisions.
- On 5 March 2024, he confirmed that certain types of dogs, known as XL Bully-type dogs, would not be banned in Northern Ireland. This was different from plans in other parts of the UK.
- On 2 May 2024, he announced a ban on selling and supplying single-use vapes in Northern Ireland. This ban is set to start by April 2025.
- On 3 September 2024, he acknowledged that the government might have broken the law. This was because they had not improved water quality as required.
- On 30 January 2025, he shared his plans for a new Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP). He stated that future funding for farming would focus on being both financially and environmentally sound.
Protecting Animals
One of Andrew Muir's main goals as Minister is to improve animal welfare.
- In his first official visit, he went to the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) in Newry. He said that animal welfare would be a top priority for him.
- On 13 March 2024, he discussed creating a list of people who have committed animal welfare offenses across all of Ireland. He said this would be difficult to achieve.
- On 14 May 2024, he announced plans to introduce a new law. This law would make stealing pets a specific criminal offence in Northern Ireland. It could lead to a jail sentence of up to five years.
Helping Lough Neagh
Andrew Muir has also focused on the environmental issues at Lough Neagh.
- On 9 February 2024, he promised a plan to deal with the blue-green algae crisis at Lough Neagh. This plan was published within weeks.
- On 13 March 2024, he told the Northern Ireland Assembly that £1.6 million was given to his department. This money was specifically to help solve the Lough Neagh crisis.
- On 18 July 2024, he stated that a 37-point plan approved by the government would be a big step. This plan aims to help the Lough recover.
Andrew Muir's Personal Interests
Andrew Muir is known for wearing distinctive bow ties.
He is also a very active runner. He has completed eleven marathons. His fastest time for a marathon is 3 hours and 7 minutes.
