Fra McCann | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theNorthern Ireland Assembly forWest Belfast | |
| In office 26 November 2003 – November 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Alex Maskey |
| Succeeded by | Aisling Reilly |
| Member of Belfast City Council | |
| In office 1987 – 5 May 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Will Glendinning |
| Succeeded by | Colin Keenan |
| Constituency | Lower Falls |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1953-06-19)19 June 1953 (age 72)[1] |
| Political party | Sinn Féin |
| Website | Fra McCann MLA |
Fra McCann(born 19 June 1953) is a retired IrishSinn Féin politician and former Republican prisoner.
McCann became active in theIrish republican movement and was imprisoned in the 1970s for membership of theProvisional Irish Republican Army, and took part in theblanket protest while in prison.[2]
As a politician, he was aBelfast City Councillor for theLower Falls DEA from 1987 to 2011.
He latterly served as aMember of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) forBelfast West from2003 to 2021.
McCann was imprisoned during the 1970s for firearms offences. While being held in H-Block 3 of theMaze, McCann befriendedKieran Nugent and participated in theblanket protest.[3]
In 1987, he was elected toBelfast City Council, having won a by-election, representing theLower Falls District.[4]
He was re-elected to the council in1989,1993,1997 and2001.
McCann was later elected to theNorthern Ireland Assembly, representingWest Belfast, at the2003 election.
In June 2006, McCann was charged with assault and disorderly behaviour following an incident in west Belfast. The incident occurred as thePSNI attempted to arrest a teenager for attempted robbery. However, McCann claimed heavy-handedness by the police and stated "I tried to put myself between one of the officers and the girl when the police officer radioed for assistance." McCann was released on bail.[5][6]
He retained his Assembly seat in2007,2011 and2017.[7]
In October 2021, Fra McCann announced that he would be stepping down as MLA for West Belfast and would not be contesting the next election.[8]
| Northern Ireland Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | MLA forBelfast West 2004–2021 | Incumbent |