Liz Breadon

Liz Breadon is an Irish politician and social worker who has served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Belfast North since 2019, representing Sinn Féin. A former community development worker, she was co-opted to the Northern Ireland Assembly following the resignation of Nuala McAllister. Breadon's political work focuses on issues of social justice, healthcare, and Irish language rights within the context of the Good Friday Agreement.

Early life and education

Born in Belfast, she grew up in the Twinbrook area of the city. She pursued higher education at the University of Ulster, where she studied social sciences. Her academic background and early experiences in West Belfast deeply influenced her commitment to community work and social justice issues, shaping her future career in both social work and politics within the complex landscape of Northern Ireland.

Career

Prior to her election, she worked extensively as a social worker and community development officer across Belfast. She held significant roles within the Western Health and Social Care Trust, focusing on disability services and family support. Her professional work often intersected with the community voluntary sector, collaborating with organizations like Belfast City Council and various cross-community groups to address social deprivation and promote inclusive services in areas such as North Belfast and Derry.

Political career

She was co-opted to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2019. Within Sinn Féin, she serves on several committees, including the Committee for Health and the Committee for Communities. A prominent advocate for the Irish Language Act, she has been vocal in Stormont debates concerning pandemic recovery, NHS reform, and housing rights. She works closely with party colleagues like Michelle O'Neill and Conor Murphy on strategies aligned with the Good Friday Agreement.

Electoral history

She first stood for Sinn Féin in the 2019 local elections, winning a seat on Belfast City Council representing the Court electoral area. Later that year, she was selected to replace Nuala McAllister in the Northern Ireland Assembly. She successfully defended her seat in the 2022 Assembly election, increasing her party's vote share in Belfast North amidst a significant surge for Sinn Féin across Northern Ireland.

Personal life

She is known to be a native Irish language speaker and actively promotes its use in public life. She resides in Belfast and maintains strong connections to community organizations in the city. Her personal interests are closely tied to her professional and political advocacy, particularly in areas of Gaelic games, Irish culture, and local history.

Category:Sinn Féin politicians Category:Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly Category:People from Belfast Category:Alumni of the University of Ulster Category:21st-century Irish women politicians