New north Belfast MLA named
William Humphrey is to replace Nigel Dodds at the Northern Ireland Assembly, as the party continues to phase out double-jobbing.
Councillor Humphrey, who was named DUP MLA for north Belfast, was born and lives in the Woodvale area of the city. He was educated at Boys Model School in north Belfast, where he was head boy.
Chairman of the DUP in north Belfast and member of the party executive, Mr Humphrey has been involved in housing issues for many years. He has been a member of the greater Shankill taskforce and Woodvale residents’ association.
“North Belfast has a proud history within unionism containing Duncairn, the area represented by Edward Carson in Parliament. However, there are many current issues, both economic and social which continue to require focus within it today,” he said.
“The reductions we are facing in public expenditure cannot simply be ignored, but it is important that both the Executive and Assembly work to minimise the impact these will have on important services.”
He paid tribute to his predecessor, who retained his North Belfast Westminster seat earlier this year.
“Nigel has a proven track record of dedicated hard work on the ground, making a difference in peoples’ lives within the Constituency. That will be the record I will strive to emulate,” he said.
DUP leader Peter Robinson welcomed Mr Humphrey at Stormont.
“I know that William will take that enthusiasm and drive to representing people right across the North Belfast Constituency,” he said.
