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Our Leadership

Meet the dedicated team steering NI People towards a brighter future with unwavering commitment to our core principles.

Tony Mallon

Party Leader

Tony Mallon has lived in West Belfast all his life and throughout his time has organised charity fundraisers and supported members of the community. Tony has worked in senior management in heavy engineering environments and been a multi site Health and Safety, Quality, Facilities manager and worked in HR along with several decades in education, he has the technical and practical experience and expertise. Tony along with several others is the founding member of NI People who believes traditional politics in NI is broken and divided in Orange and Green and prioritises party over individuals. NI People is a technical party which is unwhipped and welcomes open dialogue celebrating diversity as our strength. NI People want to steer clear of identity politics and instead of promoting the party we want to celebrate individual different perspectives and strives to promote the best person or policies. We want to promote a small government and low tax system for businesses and taxpayers. Governments should stay out of peoples lives and pockets as much as possible.

Garreth Falls

Party Chair

Garreth Falls, with roots in the Emerald Isle, has a diverse career from television to herbal medicine, marked by a commitment to community service. As a Consultant Medical Herbalist, he combines his expertise with a holistic health philosophy. Garreth champions permaculture and sustainability, enjoying brewing, foraging, and wild swimming. His advocacy work includes leading Methodist church initiatives and founding social enterprises, earning accolades like the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Deeply involved in social welfare as a foster carer, Garreth has contributed to various statutory bodies and co-chaired HEAL NI, aiming to overhaul healthcare in Northern Ireland. While not seeking elected office, Garreth’s engagement in social media and podcasts reflects his dedication to societal improvement, making him a pivotal leader as Chair of NI People.

Andrew McIlwrath

Communication Officer

Andrew McIlwrath, originating from Moneyreagh, Co. Down and now a West Belfast resident with his family, journeyed from public school to Belfast Metropolitan College, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. His career in the heavy machinery industry, complemented by hard-earned licenses and certificates in construction and agriculture, showcases his dedication and expertise. With a foreman’s experience and a deep connection to his farming roots, Andrew is committed to fostering a better future for Northern Ireland. His vision includes a supportive government that empowers the youth towards achieving their aspirations, embodying a philosophy of practical assistance and self-reliance.

Stephen Henry McClenaghan

Communication Officer

Stephen Henry McClenaghan, from Poleglass now in Banbridge, celebrates a rich family heritage and diverse work experience, from retail to catering. Overcoming personal challenges, including addiction and mental health struggles, Stephen gained valuable insights into prison reform and mental health advocacy. His journey from adversity to resilience highlights a deep commitment to societal change. Now, as NI People’s communications officer, Stephen channels his passion for journalism and reform into advocating for improved mental health services, housing, and employment opportunities. His story is one of transformation, driven by a belief in the power of community and the impact of individual voices in shaping a better future for Northern Ireland.

Ryan North

Candidate & Advocate

Ryan, an East Belfast native with diverse work experience from the motor trade to catering, currently works at the city’s busiest leisure centre. Passionate about automotive photography, he’s engaged with communities across NI, Ireland, and GB. Disenchanted with the DUP and Sinn Féin’s dominance, Ryan aspires to be a socially libertarian voice, advocating for an open, prosperous NI with reduced government interference and increased local governance. Critical of wasteful government spending and centralisation, his policies aim for decentralisation, scrapping ineffective departments, revising net zero policies, protecting free speech, and reforming immigration and policing. Ryan proposes practical changes to improve road efficiency, reduce military spending, support veterans, and address environmental concerns with lighting to benefit people and wildlife alike.