The MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone has become the first Northern Ireland member to give birth while in office.

    The Sinn Fein MP was admitted to the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen on Tuesday and gave birth to a baby boy weighing seven pounds and 14 ounces at 2.30 yesterday morning.

    Proud parents Michelle and her husband Jimmy Taggart were the centre of attention as a steady stream of visitors arrived with cards and gifts yesterday, including the new arrival’s grandparents.

    And their drowsy infant proved to have been enough of a republican to make his appearance during the Easter break when the 1916 Rising is traditionally celebrated.

    Michelle explained that the new arrival was due on Good Friday, another significant date for Sinn Fein representatives involved in the peace negotiations.

    “Things were not happening for a while and I was starting to get frustrated,” she said.

    “It has been a very powerful experience. I’m glad everything’s well - he’s such a lovely wee man.

    “It was a long day. I’m glad it’s over!” she laughed.

    Michelle was in labour for 24 hours before giving birth in the early hours of yesterday morning. Her new son - a fiery redhead - is yet to be named.

    There is red hair on both sides of the family but none in the immediate family, she said.

    Michelle received ante-natal care at the Erne and her baby was delivered by the midwives there.

    “I got the best of treatment here,” she said.

    “It was brilliant being in the Erne and having very personal service. I’d like to thank all the staff involved in the maternity unit.”

    The Sinn Fein MP continued her constituency work up until Easter and plans to take a few weeks off, before heading out on the election campaign trail on the 26th.

    Following the general elections in the Republic, which are tipped for May, she will return to work at Stormont.