Michelle O’Neill praises ‘fearless’ Pat Cullen in her bid to represent Sinn Fein

First minister Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the news that “strong and fearless” outgoing Royal College of Nursing (RCN) chief Pat Cullen is seeking to represent the party in the upcoming General Election.

Ms Cullen, who led nurses across the country into unprecedented strike action, said she is standing down from her role as general secretary of the nursing union to seek nomination for the republican party in Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

Fermanagh & South Tyrone is one of the closest electoral races in the UK, with Sinn Fein’s Michelle Gildernew holding the seat in 2019 by just 57 votes.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said his party is endorsing the UUP’s candidate Diana Armstrong in the constituency in an effort to consolidate the Unionist vote.

The Sinn Fein vice-president said she was “delighted” that Ms Cullen has put her name forward to run for Sinn Fein in the area.

Ms O’Neill said: “Pat Cullen is a formidable leader.

“She is a strong and fearless advocate for social justice with a proven track record of delivery for over half a million nursing staff.

“She has worked on the coal face of our health service for almost 40 years as a nurse and has played a key role in the development of nursing across these islands.

“As general secretary of the RCN, she has been a leading voice in championing fair pay and conditions for our hard-working nurses and healthcare workers.

“Having known and worked closely with Pat Cullen for many years, I know that she will bring the same grit, determination and leadership qualities as MP for the people of Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

“Pat will provide strong leadership and be a voice for positive change. She brings a fierce determination and a solid commitment to build a new and better future for all.”