Menu
25/06/2018
David Ford Announces Retirement
Former Alliance leader David Ford has announced that he is to retire as an MLA.
Mr Ford will officially step down from the role on 30 June, completing 20 years since he took his seat as MLA for South Antrim on July 1, 1998.
He served as Alliance Leader between 2001 and 2016, as well as being Justice Minister from 2010-2016. The 67-year-old former social worker also previously sat as a Councillor in Antrim and is current Alliance spokesperson on agriculture, the environment and rural affairs.
Under his leadership, Alliance held two positions in the Executive, while the party became the home of Europe's first Parliamentarian from the Chinese community and saw its first MP elected.
Mr Ford said: "It has been an enormous privilege to represent the people of South Antrim and the wider Alliance Party for the entire life of the Assembly so far. However, I feel now is the right time for me to step down. This will enable my successor to settle in and work in the constituency during the ongoing impasse, then play a full role in the Assembly after it is restored.
"On June 30, I complete 20 years as a member of the Assembly, making it a fitting day to retire, which I do as 'father of the house'. Until that point, I will continue to work for my constituents and on anything else the party requires me to do. I will of course remain an active party member and support it in any way I can to continue its trend of growing.
"I am privileged to have been elected by my neighbours in South Antrim on six occasions, and take pride in the legacy I leave in the constituency, in Alliance and in the Department of Justice. I know Alliance remains the best vehicle for establishing a united community for everyone in Northern Ireland. I leave the party team in safe hands with the next generation, under the leadership of Naomi Long and Stephen Farry."
Mr Ford's successor will be chosen by Alliance members in the constituency at a meeting on Tuesday.
(MH)
Mr Ford will officially step down from the role on 30 June, completing 20 years since he took his seat as MLA for South Antrim on July 1, 1998.
He served as Alliance Leader between 2001 and 2016, as well as being Justice Minister from 2010-2016. The 67-year-old former social worker also previously sat as a Councillor in Antrim and is current Alliance spokesperson on agriculture, the environment and rural affairs.
Under his leadership, Alliance held two positions in the Executive, while the party became the home of Europe's first Parliamentarian from the Chinese community and saw its first MP elected.
Mr Ford said: "It has been an enormous privilege to represent the people of South Antrim and the wider Alliance Party for the entire life of the Assembly so far. However, I feel now is the right time for me to step down. This will enable my successor to settle in and work in the constituency during the ongoing impasse, then play a full role in the Assembly after it is restored.
"On June 30, I complete 20 years as a member of the Assembly, making it a fitting day to retire, which I do as 'father of the house'. Until that point, I will continue to work for my constituents and on anything else the party requires me to do. I will of course remain an active party member and support it in any way I can to continue its trend of growing.
"I am privileged to have been elected by my neighbours in South Antrim on six occasions, and take pride in the legacy I leave in the constituency, in Alliance and in the Department of Justice. I know Alliance remains the best vehicle for establishing a united community for everyone in Northern Ireland. I leave the party team in safe hands with the next generation, under the leadership of Naomi Long and Stephen Farry."
Mr Ford's successor will be chosen by Alliance members in the constituency at a meeting on Tuesday.
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 October 2016
David Ford Stepping Down As Alliance Leader
Alliance Leader David Ford is stepping down. He will resign from the post at noon tomorrow, 06 October, however he will continue to serve as South Antrim MLA. His successor will be chosen by party members at a special Alliance Party Council on Wednesday, 26 October.
David Ford Stepping Down As Alliance Leader
Alliance Leader David Ford is stepping down. He will resign from the post at noon tomorrow, 06 October, however he will continue to serve as South Antrim MLA. His successor will be chosen by party members at a special Alliance Party Council on Wednesday, 26 October.
11 August 2011
Protestors Fail To Confront Alliance Leader
Republicans have this morning missed their target and failed to confront the NI Justice Minister over a prison dispute. They staged their protest in support of prisoners at the Alliance Party headquarters in south Belfast - but failed in their mission to come face to face with the Alliance Leader David Ford who is also the Justice Minister.
Protestors Fail To Confront Alliance Leader
Republicans have this morning missed their target and failed to confront the NI Justice Minister over a prison dispute. They staged their protest in support of prisoners at the Alliance Party headquarters in south Belfast - but failed in their mission to come face to face with the Alliance Leader David Ford who is also the Justice Minister.
06 April 2011
Alliance Party Targets Assembly Seats
The Alliance Party has launched its election campaign at Belfast's Waterfront Hall. Party Leader, David Ford said in his speech that they could make two or three Assembly election gains this would entitle them to another seat in the Stormont Executive.
Alliance Party Targets Assembly Seats
The Alliance Party has launched its election campaign at Belfast's Waterfront Hall. Party Leader, David Ford said in his speech that they could make two or three Assembly election gains this would entitle them to another seat in the Stormont Executive.
21 July 2011
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
13 March 2013
NI Abortion Amendment Fails
A proposed amendment which would ban abortions in private clinics has failed in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The proposal, which was put forward by the DUP and SDLP, was lost after 40 politicians voted against it. Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Green Party managed to block the move.
NI Abortion Amendment Fails
A proposed amendment which would ban abortions in private clinics has failed in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The proposal, which was put forward by the DUP and SDLP, was lost after 40 politicians voted against it. Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Green Party managed to block the move.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
