Ballymena councillor replaces Paisley Jr
Ballymena councillor Paul Frew has been selected to replace Ian Paisley Jr as a DUP representative in the Stormont Assembly.
Mr Paisley will be resigning from the Assembly this month following his election to Westminster.
His successor has been a councillor since 2005 for the Braid area of Ballymena.
Mr Frew, 35, was selected at a North Antrim DUP Association meeting on Wednesday night.
“It is a great honour for me to have been selected by my party colleagues to replace Ian Paisley MP in the Northern Ireland Assembly,” he said.
“Ian has worked very hard during his time as an Assembly Member – the people of our community recognised this when they chose him to represent us in Westminster.
“I know that filling Ian’s shoes at Stormont will be a big task, but I am looking forward to playing my part as a member of a strong North Antrim DUP team of MP, MLAs and councillors.”
Mr Frew added: “I make my promise to the people of North Antrim: I will endeavour to do my very best to see North Antrim’s interests are protected and our area continues to move forward.”
The appointment was welcomed by Mr Paisley.
“I know that Paul will work extremely hard for the community and he will do his best for the people of North Antrim,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Paul to continue delivering for North Antrim.
“Paul’s selection last night is part of the DUP delivering on our promise to phase out dual mandates.”
