Gerry Kelly Steps Down After 30 Years | Belfast News

After 30 years in Northern Irish politics, Gerry Kelly, a veteran republican and former junior minister, is stepping down from elected office — but not retiring from activism. At 73, he’s ready to spend more time with his family, whom he admits he neglected during his younger years spent in prison or on the run. Kelly praises Sinn Féin’s new generation as “much better educated” and criticizes the DUP’s current tactics as unproductive and inward-looking. With a wry nod to aging, he recalls how chief constables now look younger than him — a sign he’s finally “getting older.” He leaves Stormont in strong hands, confident the party is ready for the next chapter. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/fe64388ca2d1d145