Nelis, Mary (1935–)

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Nelis, Mary (1935–)

Northern Ireland politician. Born Mary Elliott, Aug 27, 1935, in Northern Ireland; children: 9.

Was active in the civil-rights movement; joined SDLP and stood in district council elections (1973); campaigned across Northern Ireland in support of prisoners' rights after her son was sentenced to 16-years' imprisonment for IRA membership, then joined the protest in Maze Prison; left SDLP (1977); joined Sinn Féin (1980); representing Sinn Féin, elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly for Foyle (1998).