Tributes paid following passing of former MP Mickey Brady

TRIBUTES have been paid to former MP Mickey Brady, who passed away on Friday at the age of 75.

‘An institution and a proud Ballybot man’ he has served the people of Newry and Armagh far beyond his near decade as an MP - including serving as an MLA and as a welfare rights activist.

He stepped down from politics in 2024 - citing his age (then 74) as the reason.

Before entering politics he worked in welfare advice and helped many families facing dire straits.

He served as the MP for Newry and Armagh since 2015 and on retiring in 2024 declared, “If I stayed on I’d be as old as [Joe] Biden!”

He spent much of his formative years in Markethill and has always been an ardent Irish Republican.

His father was a lifelong trade unionist and taking that example, Mickey was a Welfare Rights worker for the Confederation of Community Groups for 26 years.

Up until 2007 he was an employee of the CoCGs’ advice centre in Newry, dealing with what he called “the sort of benefits and housing issues that affect ordinary people who, through no fault of their own, don’t know how these things work”

Much of what he learned there served him well as an elected representative of people, many of whom needed his help.

His approach in politics was always the same, regardless of the size of the stage. Speaking to the Ulster Gazette on his retirement he explained this by saying, “Everyday people come to a politician with what they think is a huge problem. Throughout my time in politics, at whatever level, my philosophy has been the same: if they left feeling a wee bit better than when they arrived, then I think I’ve done at least part of my job.”

He continued. “Because they don’t understand the system, they think they’re facing the biggest problem in the world and there’s no help available. But they aren’t, and there is.”

And while taking on the role as MP meant he did not take his seat at Westminster due to Sinn Féin’s abstentionist policy, he was still very active there and further afield.

During his time at Westminster he took part in a number of protests there, met with the Palestinian Ambassador and hosted school visits.

He was also heavily involved in lobbying all of the different parties – Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, SNP and Plaid Cymru. He also maintained contact with the Irish Embassy in London.

Reflecting on his background on his retirement he said, “I’ve been a Socialist all my life; my father was one, too, so that’s how I was brought up. He was from Markethill, so I spent time there as a child – which was quite interesting if you think about it! That’s where I saw my first Lambeg drummer and as a five or six-year-old I was fascinated.”

And he followed that insight up with this very interesting addendum: “We have a lot of Unionist people coming into our office every day from Hamiltonsbawn, Richhill or wherever. Now, although I don’t expect those people to vote for me, I try to help them anyway because my job is to represent all of my constituents. And I think people recognise that.

“I also meet people from the PUL (Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist) community every single day - and have done for many, many years.”

And while he was bowing out of frontline politics, it was not out of any sense of disillusionment. On the contrary, he saw signs of what is suggestive of progress, albeit painfully slow at times.

The things he wanted to see change were those to which he was always opposed - including the state pension system which he termed “the meanest in the Developed World”.

Mickey spent years trying to help people deal with cost of living problems and it’s why he entered politics.

He regarded himself as having been lucky in his upbringing in that nearly all of his father’s friends were Protestants who frequently visited his family home.

He felt it important that young people mingle and mix - and if they have views on politics, they should discuss them – ideally with somebody who thinks differently.

“Just don’t try to force your opinions down somebody else’s throats,” he said in 2024, “because that’s not politics and it won’t persuade anybody to change their mind.”

And while he wasn’t standing for election himself, the seasoned campaigner joined his party colleagues canvassing for his replacement Daíre Hughes.

He enjoyed canvassing as it gave him an opportunity to meet people on their doorstep, find out what their problems are and see if there’s anything he could do to help them.

Paying his tribute sitting MP Daíre Hughes said, “I am utterly devastated to hear that Mickey Brady has passed away.

“Mickey was a great Newry institution, a proud Ballybot man, the people’s champion.

“He spent his life working for families here, as a community activist, welfare advisor and as a public representative.

“All too often the only thing that stood between a family and destitution was an intervention by Mickey Brady. You’d struggle to find a family locally that Mickey hadn’t helped.

“He was the most sociable, laidback, down to earth gentleman you could meet, with a sharp wit and a story to liven any discussion.

“I can’t describe how much I’ll miss his friendship, advice and guidance.

“Mickey has been a pillar of Republican politics for over two decades. The support we have today is due in huge part to Mickey Brady. Even after he stood back from elected politics, Mickey was a constant presence in our office, still working for the people of Newry.

“However immensely we in Sinn Féin will miss Mickey, it will be nothing compared to the loss felt by Caroline, his kids and grandkids. My sincerest condolences to the whole Brady clan. We were so fortunate to have Mickey play such a prominent role in our activism, and that would have been impossible without his family’s support.

“Mickey Brady devoted his life to helping others and for that he will be forever remembered.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill also paid tribute, “Mickey was a lifelong champion for the people of Newry and Armagh, dedicating more than five decades of his life to community and political activism.

“He had a deep-rooted passion for his community and its people, whether through his work in welfare advice or during his time as a Sinn Féin MLA and MP for the area.

“His door was always open to people right across the community, and he gave his time generously to everyone who sought his help.

“He loved the people of Newry and Armagh, and they loved him in return.

“As an Irish Republican, involved from as far back as the civil rights movement, Mickey spoke with great pride when reflecting on the strides made to ensure fairness for his community and towards national unification.

“I will always remember Mickey for his sharp wit and endless stories.

“He had a rare ability to lift spirits and bring smiles wherever he went.

“He was a gentleman and a deeply insightful, knowledgeable, and committed political activist.

“My thoughts are with his wife Caroline, daughter Saoirse, and sons Michael, Sean and Niall, stepchildren, and wider family.

“A family has lost a deeply devoted father and grandfather.

“Newry, and Sinn Féin, has lost a giant of the community.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Cathal Boylan said it was ‘heartbreaking” and described him as, “A true gentleman in every sense - kind, caring, thoughtful and most of all a person of the people.

“I had the honour of working with him in the assembly, he was a special friend and will be sadly missed.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Caroline and his children Saoirse, Michael, Sean and Niall and the entire family circle at this very sad time.

“You’ve left now us mo chara but you'll always be there. A Working Class Hero. The People's Champion. Slan Anois.”

Councillor Sarah Duffy said, “We have lost a true legend in the passing of our friend and former MP Mickey Brady.

“Mickey’s legacy is not only found in the causes he championed, but in the countless lives he touched through his compassion, his humour, and his genuine care for others.

“He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many who loved him.”

And Councillor Bróna Haughey said she was “truly devastated” describing him as a lifelong Republican activist “who dedicated himself to the people of Newry and Armagh and to the campaign for Irish Unity”.

She added, “Mickey always had a yarn to tell and had great fun in telling it. Not only was he a listening ear, he gave the best advice and was always willing to lend a hand or share a nugget of knowledge especially in the early days of my journey in elected politics.

“A working class hero, so proud of his native Newry. Mickey will be sorely missed but remembered every day.”

A family death notice described Mickey (Michael) as a “Welfare Rights Activist, MLA, MP”.

It said he, “Passed away 16th January 2026, aged 75 years, at Craigavon Area Hospital. Beloved husband of Caroline, loving father of Saoirse, Michael, Seán and Niall and Lewis, a devoted grandfather, predeceased by his parents Sally and Willie, his brother Jim and his late wife Rose.

“Funeral arrangements will be confirmed at a later date.

“Very deeply regretted by his loving wife, daughter, sons, grandchildren, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters Mary, Theresa and Lilian and the extended family circle.

“Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Medical Aid Palestine.

“Our Lady Queen of the Gael pray for him. May he rest in peace.”