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Robin Swann
Swann in 2024
Minister of Health
Assumed office
3 February 2024
First Minister Michelle O'Neill
Preceded byHimself (2022)
In office
11 January 2020 – 27 October 2022
First Minister Arlene Foster
Paul Givan
Preceded by Michelle O'Neill
Succeeded byHimself (2024)
16th Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party
In office
8 April 2017 – 9 November 2019
Deputy Steve Aiken
Preceded by Mike Nesbitt
Succeeded by Steve Aiken
Ulster Unionist Chief Whip
In office
6 April 2012 – 8 April 2017
Leader Mike Nesbitt
Preceded by John McCallister
Succeeded by Steve Aiken
Member of the Legislative Assembly
for Antrim North
Assumed office
5 May 2011
Preceded by Robert Coulter
Personal details
Born (1971-09-24) 24 September 1971 (age 52)
Kells, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Nationality British
Political party Ulster Unionist Party
SpouseJennifer Swann
Children2
Residence(s) Kells, County Antrim
Alma mater Open University

Robin Swann (born 24 September 1971) is a Northern Irish unionist politician currently serving as Minister of Health since 2024. He previously held this office from 2020 to 2022. Swann has been a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for North Antrim since 2011. He also served as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) from 2017 to 2019. [1]

During his first term as Minister of Health, Swann led Northern Ireland's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of the crisis was widely praised, leading Swann to top the poll in North Antrim at the 2022 Assembly election. [2]

Early life

Robin Swann's mother Ida was a hospital cleaner and his father Brian a plumber. He has a younger brother called David.

Swann contracted asthma at a young age as he was "born in an old farmhouse riddled with damp." When he was two years old, Swann's family moved to a housing executive house in Kells in County Antrim.

Swann was teased at school for his short height.

At the age of 12, Swann joined the Young Farmers' Club of Ulster.

His great uncle led the Cromkill Pipe Band, a small rural country band. Swann learned to play the bagpipes as "it was just an interest I took at 17 to do something different."

Whenever Swann was 19, his grandfather Samuel Mawhinney, who was a farmer, died from a heart attack at the age of 68. Swann took the death "very badly" as his grandfather was his "role model."

Education and employment

Swann attended Kells and Connor Primary, then Ballymena Academy, after which he got a job at McQuillan Meats from 1989 to 1993. Swann did not attend university, although he did later do an Open University science degree.

Swann worked for SGS, a multinational inspection and testing company based in Switzerland, before becoming an MLA. [3]

Political career

Robin Swann was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2011 in the North Antrim constituency. [4] Swann successfully defended his seat in the 2016 Assembly election, and at the snap election in March 2017, where he was the first unionist elected in North Antrim. [5] Swann was elected Ulster Unionist leader in April 2017; he resigned in November 2019 in order to spend more time with his family. [4]

Swann came second in the North Antrim constituency in the 2019 Westminster election, with double the UUP vote of the previous election. [4]

In the 2022 Assembly election Swann went on to top the North Antrim poll. [6] His increased vote was attributed to his work as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. Swann credited his success to the work of those in the health service. [7]

On 1 February 2024, Swann was announced as the UUP's parliamentary candidate for South Antrim at the next United Kingdom general election, a target seat for the UUP. [8]

Swann confirmed that he would continue his Westminster campaign on 8 February 2024, despite his appointment as Health Minister. [9]

Minister of Health

First term (2020–2022)

In 2020, Swann was appointed Minister of Health, and presided over the response of the Northern Ireland Executive to the COVID-19 Pandemic. [10]

Swann introduced the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, or "Dáithí's Law" in the Assembly in 2021. [11] It was named after six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann from Belfast, who needs a heart transplant. The legislation came into effect on 1 June 2023 and introduced an opt-out system, meaning people would automatically become donors unless they stated otherwise. [12]

On 2 February 2022 a 44-year-old man was charged with threatening to kill Swann, harassment and improper use of a telecommunications network. [13]

Swann ceased to be Minister for Health on 27 October 2022 following the collapse of power-sharing at the Northern Ireland Executive.

The High Court dismissed a £100m lawsuit against NI politicians over Covid-19 regulations in December 2022. [14] Swann has been called as a participant in the UK Covid Inquiry [15] at the hearing to Module 1 he said "Failed reforms hindered NI Covid response." [16]

In August 2023, Swann welcomed progress that had been made on clamping down on some of the most expensive nursing agency costs in the local health service in Northern Ireland. [17]

Second term (2024–present)

Robin Swann meeting staff at the Ulster Hospital on 5 Feb. 2024

Appointment

On 3 February 2024, Swann was reappointed Minister for Health following the formation of the Executive of the 7th Northern Ireland Assembly. Swann's appointment revealed a split within the UUP, [18] with Andy Allen MLA criticising his return as Swann was already confirmed as a Westminster candidate. Allen argued that "we need a health minister with their full focus on the task at hand, not one eye on WM (Westminster).” [19] Following his appointment, Swann wrote to trade unions inviting them to early discussions.

February 2024

On 5 February 2024, he visited the Ulster Hospital and reiterated his intention to secure pay settlements for staff and resolve current industrial action. [20]

Swann paid tribute to staff in Northern Ireland’s dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre at an event marking 10 years since its opening on 7 February 2024. Also on 7 February 2024, Swann asked officials to look “urgently” at planned bed cuts at the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. [21]

On 9 February 2024, Swann confirmed that he will reinstate £85,000 funding for the Children's Hospice, in a move which defined the beginning of his tenure. [22]

In the Assembly, on 13 February 2024, Swann revealed that a Women's Health Action Plan is being developed by the health department, paving the way for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.

On 15 February 2024, Swann announced that publicly funded IVF treatment will increase to one full cycle for eligible women. [23]

On 20 February 2024, Swann wrote to the BMA Junior Doctors Committee in relation to planned industrial action next month. [24] He also emphasised that hospital waiting lists cannot be tackled in isolation from other issues facing the health service, remarking that “piecemeal interventions” alone will not be sufficient. [25]

Swann visited the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) team at the Junction in Antrim on 23 February 2024 as part of NICHS Heart Month. [26]

On 26 February 2024, Swann welcomed the decision by health service trade unions to ballot members on a proposed pay settlement for 2023–24. He stated that "this is a positive step..." towards his key priority of resolving pay disputes. [27] On the same day, Swann praised GPs for committing to student training. [28]

In a keynote speech, Swann warned of an “extremely difficult and worsening” financial position for health and social care services on 27 February 2024. He remarked that "waiting lists are beyond unacceptable. They cry out for action and I will pursue every feasible opportunity to improve the situation." [29]

On 29 February 2024, Swann and the Executive Office Junior Ministers Pam Cameron and Aisling Reilly joined Regional Trauma Network representatives at Belfast Metropolitan College’s Titanic Quarter Campus for the ‘Our Journey So Far’ knowledge and networking event. [30] Swann also said that new figures show the scale of the waiting list crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding. [31]

March 2024

On 4 March 2024, Swann launched the HSC Raising a Concern in the Public Interest (Whistleblowing) Framework & Model Policy. He said that it will facilitate the implementation of policies and procedures within the HSC to fully support staff in raising concerns. [32]

Personal life

Robin Swann is "5ft 3in-ish" tall. [33] He and his wife Jennifer have a daughter and a son. Their son was born with a congenital heart defect, and while in Birmingham, Swann recorded the events in a personal blog. [34]

Swann attends church "almost every week." [3]

Voluntary and community work

Swann has served as president and County Antrim Chairman of the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster. He has chaired the YFCU's National Executive and Rural Affairs Committees and has been Chairman of the Rural Youth Europe organisation. [35] A former member of Cromkill Pipe Band, Swann was elected a Honorary Vice President of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland. [36] In 2023 Swann was elected Honorary President of the Farmers' Choir Northern Ireland. [37]

Political views

Brexit

As UUP leader, on May 2019 at the party's European election manifesto launch, Swann stated that a " no deal Brexit must be avoided." [38]

Abortion

Robin Swann has described himself as " pro-life and ... on record as such." [39] In 2021, Swann defended the delay to introducing full abortion services in Northern Ireland as he could not "set it up without support from the Stormont Executive." [40]

Electoral history

Election Constituency Votes % Elected Comment
Assembly 2007 North Antrim 1,281 2.89% Not elected 1st run
Assembly 2011 North Antrim 2,518 6.26% Elected 5th of 6
Assembly 2016 North Antrim 3,585 8.74% Elected 5th of 6
Assembly 2017 North Antrim 6,022 12.52% Elected 2nd of 5, 1st unionist elected
Westminster 2019 North Antrim 8,139 18.5% Not elected runner up, increased vote by 11.3%
Assembly 2022 North Antrim 9,530 18.83% Elected 1st of 5, topped poll
Westminster 2024 South Antrim Switched constituencies from North Antrim to South Antrim

Awards

Swann was Awarded Politician of the Year 2022, by Civility in Politics, an award he shared with Chris Bryant MP. [41]

July 2023 Swann was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, fellowships are awarded annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to psychiatry. "Robin Swann was awarded for championing mental healthcare and working closely with psychiatrists in Northern Ireland to address the enormous treatment gap that still exists." [42]

References

  1. ^ "Ulster Unionist Party confirm Robin Swann as new leader" BBC News, 8 April 2017, accessed 11 April 2017
  2. ^ "Swann credits poll-topping success to work of the health service". The Independent. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Robin Swann: 'When I first got elected, I was called a political pigmy... people keep referring to my lack of height, but there isn't anything I can do about that so I'm not bothered'". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 15 January 2018. ISSN  0307-1235. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Introducing the new Northern Ireland Executive". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 3 February 2024. ISSN  0307-1235. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  5. ^ "North Antrim". www.ark.ac.uk.
  6. ^ "Election 2022: Swann tops the poll in North Antrim".
  7. ^ McCambridge, Jonathan (6 May 2022). "Robin Swann credits North Antrim Assembly Election poll-topping success to work of the health service". The Irish News. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Robin Swann to switch constituencies in bid to unseat DUP MP". BreakingNews.ie. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Robin Swann: 'I can be MP candidate and health minister'". BBC News. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  10. ^ "New Health Minister appointed in Northern Ireland" (Press release).
  11. ^ "'Dáithí's Law shouldn't be in political stand-off'". BBC News. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  12. ^ "Health Minister welcomes 'Dáithí's Law'". Health. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  13. ^ Young, David (2 February 2022). "Man charged with threatening to kill Northern Ireland health minister". Irish Examiner. PA. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  14. ^ "2022 NI Master 8". 6 December 2022. Belfast Telegraph.
  15. ^ "UK Covid-19 Inquiry".
  16. ^ "Covid inquiry: Failed reforms hindered NI Covid response, says Swann". 6 July 2023.
  17. ^ "Swann Welcomes Progress on Tackling Health Agency Costs". UUP Live. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  18. ^ "Robin Swann may be withdrawn as UUP Westminster candidate after Doug Beattie reveals party split over health portfolio". The Irish News. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Robin Swann: Stormont needs a health minister focused on task, not with one eye on Westminster says UUP colleague Andy Allen". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 4 February 2024. ISSN  0307-1235. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  20. ^ "Health Minister prioritises pay talks". Health. 4 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  21. ^ McCambridge, Jonathan (7 February 2024). "Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann asks officials to look urgently at plans to reduce beds at Northern Ireland Children's Hospice".
  22. ^ "Statement by Health Minister Robin Swann on NI Children's Hospice". Health. 9 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  23. ^ "Increase in funded IVF provision". Health. 14 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Health Minister writes to the BMA Junior Doctors Committee". Health. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  25. ^ "Swann sets out waiting list task". Health. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  26. ^ "Health Minister shows heart for the health of Antrim". NICHS. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  27. ^ "Swann welcomes 'positive step forward' on pay settlement". Health. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Health Minister praises GPs for commitment to student training". Health. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  29. ^ "A year of 'damage limitation' - Swann". Health. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  30. ^ "Work of Regional Trauma Network marked by Ministers". Health. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  31. ^ "Health Minister comments on hospital waiting lists". Health. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  32. ^ "Minister announces launch of HSC Raising a Concern in the Public Interest (Whistleblowing) Framework and Model Policy". Health. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  33. ^ "Robin Swann becomes new UUP leader". BBC News. 8 April 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  34. ^ "The Journey Begins: The phone call". 22 September 2013.
  35. ^ "European chairman Delme Harries". Farmers Guardian. 30 September 2011. Archived from the original on 30 September 2011.
  36. ^ "Officials".
  37. ^ "Farmers' Choir".
  38. ^ "'Second unionist seat under threat' - UUP". BBC News. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  39. ^ "Abortion in Northern Ireland: Where do the parties stand?". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  40. ^ "Abortion in NI: Delays to introducing full services 'deeply troubling', court hears". BBC News. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  41. ^ "Congratulations to Our 2022 Awards Winners".
  42. ^ "NI politician Robin Swann receives Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists".

External links

Party political offices
Preceded by Ulster Unionist Party Leader
2017–2019
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of Health
2020–2022
Vacant
Northern Ireland Assembly
Preceded by MLA for North Antrim
2011–present
Incumbent
Preceded by Ulster Unionist Chief Whip
6 April 2012 – 8 March 2017
Succeeded by
Preceded by Chair of the Public Accounts Committee
2016 –2017
Succeeded by
Preceded by Chair of the Committee for Employment and Learning
27 February 2013 – 30 April 2016
Committee abolished
New title Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
Northern Ireland Assembly Branch

13 April 2015 – 13 June 2016
Succeeded by
Jo-Anne Dobson
Preceded by Chair of the Chairpersons Liaison Group
October 2013 – September 2014
Succeeded by
Preceded by Ulster Unionist Deputy Whip
9 May 2011 – 6 April 2012
Succeeded by
Sandra Overend