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William Irwin (Unionist politician)

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William Irwin
Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly
for Newry and Armagh
Assumed office
7 March 2007
Preceded byPaul Berry
Member of Armagh City and District Council
In office
5 May 2005 – 22 May 2014
Preceded byBrian Hutchinson
Succeeded byCouncil abolished
ConstituencyThe Orchard
Personal details
Born (1956-12-12) 12 December 1956 (age 67)
Kilmore, Northern Ireland
NationalityBritish
Political partyDemocratic Unionist Party

William Irwin is a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician, serving as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Newry and Armagh since 2007. Irwin is the DUP's Spokesperson for Agriculture and Rural Affairs.[1]

Background

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Irwin entered politics after his son, Philip, drowned in a swimming pool, and he met DUP founder, Ian Paisley. "He was only 15. Dr Paisley came and prayed with us and offered great support.[2]

Irwin first stood for election on Armagh City and District Council in 2001, unsuccessfully contesting The Orchard DEA. He was elected to the District in 2005, and was later re-elected in 2011.

He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at the 2007 Assembly election, as an MLA for Newry and Armagh.

Irwin stood in the Newry and Armagh constituency at both the 2017 and 2019 General Elections, finishing second on each occasion with 24.6% and 21.7% of the vote respectively.[3]

Outside of politics, Irwin is a local dairy farmer.

References

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  1. ^ "William Irwin MLA". DUP. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  2. ^ "The Shinners, Sharon and the unrepentant republican". Nuzhound.com. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Newry & Armagh Parliamentary constituency". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
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Civic offices
Preceded by
John Campbell
Mayor of Armagh
2006–2007
Succeeded by
Charles Rollston
Northern Ireland Assembly
Preceded by MLA for Newry and Armagh
2007–present
Incumbent