Biography

I was born in 1962 and brought up on a farm in the district of Glenoe, which is south of Larne heading towards Carrickfergus.

I attended my local Glynn Primary School and then Larne Grammar School. I then continued my studies Queens University Belfast gained an Honours Degree in Engineering . It was while at Queens that I first became involved in politics and joined the Young Unionists.

After leaving full time education my career path eventually took me into working as a production and technical manager in manufacturing companies in Larne, Carrickfergus and Belfast. At the same time I became involved in the Ulster Unionist Party at branch and constituency level within East Antrim .

I was a member of the Young Farmers Club of Ulster and played rugby for my local club, Larne RFC. I now enjoy watching sport, taking long country walks with my family and relaxing with the odd glass of red wine.

I was married to Sandra in 1989 and we lived briefly in Ballyclare before moving back to the Glenoe area. We have three kids, all in Secondary level education.

In 1998 with the re establishment of an Assembly in Northern Ireland , I decided to put my head above the parapet and was selected to stand as an Ulster Unionist candidate in East Antrim. I was elected with the greatest number of 1st preference votes in the constituency, and mid term I was also elected to Carrickfergus Borough Council , topping the poll in the Knockagh Monument Ward in June 2001. Since then, I have held my assembly and council seats and I am continually grateful for the chance to represent the people of East Antrim and to be their local voice on important issues.

I have also been appointed chair of the All Party Assembly Group on the Community & Voluntary Sector in 2009.

Politically, I have concentrated largely on local constituency issues and 'bread and butter issues'. What I would like to see happening is the creation of a stable, prosperous Northern Ireland at peace with itself and its neighbours without the threat of violence from terrorists. I believe that Northern Ireland's place as part of the UK reflects the democratic wishes of the greater number of our people, and that the human rights of everyone can best be protected in the multi ethnic, pluralist United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.