Chris Hazzard is the Sinn Féin MP for South Down, having first been elected to parliament at the 2017 general election.

In the 2024 general election for South Down, Hazzard received 19,698 votes, representing 43.5% of the vote share. The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) candidate, Colin McGrath, came second with 10,418 votes (23.0%), while the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) candidate, Diane Forsythe, secured 7,349 votes (16.2%). Hazzard was duly elected with a majority of 9,280.

The South Down constituency is located in the south-eastern coastal corner of Northern Ireland. It covers the Mourne Mountains, Downpatrick to the north and shares a short border with the Republic of Ireland.

The seat was historically represented by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) from its recreation in 1950 until 1987, notably including the former Conservative MP Enoch Powell. Following boundary changes and demographic shifts, it transitioned into a safe nationalist seat, held by the SDLP’s Eddie McGrady and Margaret Ritchie from 1987 to 2017. Hazzard’s victory in 2017 marked the first time Sinn Féin won the constituency.

Political Career

In line with Sinn Féin’s longstanding policy of abstentionism, Hazzard does not take his seat in the House of Commons. Sinn Féin MPs focus on constituency work and activity within Ireland.

In the foreword to Sinn Féin’s manifesto for the 2024 general election, the party’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald, said Sinn Féin MPs would work “hard as part of a strong all-Ireland Sinn Féin team to deliver for all our people and communities.”

The manifesto added: “We want a stronger and fairer economy that delivers good jobs that pay well, offers workers secure conditions, and supports local business.”

In 2021, Hazzard posted to social media in support of the Chinese government’s claim that it had eradicated absolute poverty.

He wrote: “Great to see president Xi has announced the end of absolute poverty in China this week. China has spent more than ¥1.6trillion in this historic endeavour including 10million new homes & 25million renovated homes. Xi has vowed now to eradicate health inequalities #Solidarity”.

The comments were welcomed by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland.

Colum Eastwood, the then SDLP leader, responded: “Sinn Fein always seem very attracted to communist dictatorships. No mention of the Uighurs, Chris?”

Before his election to Westminster, Hazzard served as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for South Down. He was selected by Sinn Féin in April 2012 to replace his party colleague Willie Clarke.

During his time in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Hazzard served as the minister for infrastructure from May 2016 until the collapse of the Northern Ireland executive in January 2017.

Political Views

Hazzard represents Sinn Féin, an Irish republican and democratic socialist party. The party’s core policies include advocating for a united Ireland and promoting left-wing economic and social policies.

Sinn Féin’s abstentionist policy is derived from its belief that the parliament at Westminster is illegitimate, and that its authority over Ireland rests on British sovereignty which the party does not recognise. Consequently, Sinn Féin MPs refuse to take their seats in the House of Commons, as doing so would require swearing an oath of allegiance to the British monarch, which the party regards as incompatible with its republican principles.

Hazard supported Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum, and therefore agreed with a majority of his constituents, 67.2% of whom also voted to Remain.

Before Politics

Born in Drumaness, County Down, on 20 August 1984, Hazzard attended Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock. He went on to study at Queen’s University Belfast.

Prior to his selection as an MLA, Hazzard worked as a press officer for Sinn Féin.

Personal Life

Hazzard is the eldest of four siblings. He is married and has one daughter.

Trivia

Upon his selection to the Northern Ireland Assembly in April 2012, Hazzard was the youngest MLA.

He is a member of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).