The MP byElection held April 1981, in Fermanagh/South Tyrone constituency, was caused by the death of the sitting MP, Frank Maguire, of Lisnaskea (Irish Republican Independent MP)

The election saw a large nationalist population vote for IRA terrorist/ Belfast prisioner, Robert (Bobby) Sands to the dismayed astonishment of the Unionist population. It was a trust breaker.

The Unionist candidate put forward was long standing Fermanagh Unionist, Harry West.

Although elected by the massive turnout of Nationalists, Prisoner Sands died by his own hand, refusing food on 5 May 1981, after which republicans attacked the Army and police and started fires.