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 |
| Website | http://www.andrewmuir.net/ |
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 also serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the area of North Down.
Andrew Muir became an MLA in 2019. This happened after Stephen Farry, another Alliance MLA, was elected as a MP. Andrew Muir was then elected by voters in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election.
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Working Life
Before becoming a full-time politician, Andrew Muir worked for Translink (Northern Ireland) from 2006. Translink is the main public transport provider in Northern Ireland. Before that, he held various office jobs. One of these was at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Political Journey
Serving on the Council (2010-2019)
Andrew Muir first joined the North Down Borough Council in 2010. He was chosen to fill a vacant spot. In the 2011 local elections, he was elected by voters for the Holywood area. He received a good number of first-choice votes.
From 2013 to 2014, Andrew Muir served as the mayor of North Down Borough Council. He was the first mayor in Northern Ireland to be open about his identity.
In the 2014 local election, he was re-elected. This election followed a change that combined the Ards and North Down councils. He ran alongside another Alliance candidate, Kate Nicholl. He was elected, coming in behind Stephen Dunne.
Andrew Muir also ran in the 2016 Northern Ireland Assembly election for North Down. He was a candidate for the Alliance Party. He came in second place, just behind his party colleague, Stephen Farry.
He was re-elected again in the 2019 local elections. He received the most votes in his area. His running mate, Gillian Greer, was also elected. This meant the Alliance Party gained a seat.
Member of the Legislative Assembly (2019-Present)
In 2019, Andrew Muir was chosen by the Alliance Party to replace Stephen Farry. Stephen Farry had just been elected as an MP for North Down. Andrew Muir then joined the Assembly. He became the second member of the Assembly to be open about his identity. The first was John Blair.
Andrew Muir ran again in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election. He was one of two Alliance candidates for North Down. Both he and his running mate, Connie Egan, were elected. He received the second-highest number of first-choice votes. The Alliance Party's support in the area grew significantly.
About Andrew Muir
Andrew Muir is a public advocate for equality and fairness for all people in Northern Ireland. He is also known for wearing distinctive bow ties.
