15/03/2016
NI21 Leader To Quit Politics
The leader of the NI21 party, Basil McCrea, is to leave politics.
Mr McCrea told the Belfast Telegraph that he would not contest the assembly election and was looking for a new career.
He was recently cleared of complaints of inappropriate and sexual misconduct which were brought against him.
Speaking to the newspaper he said: "Over the past 10 days or so a number of family members were upset by the reality of politics in Northern Ireland.
"Personally, I can take the rough with the smooth, but no man is an island and you have to take on board what family and friends are feeling.
"There's no doubt the pressure over the past two years was constant and at times severe.
"It did have an effect on my health, my relationships and my general wellbeing."
(CD/JP)
Mr McCrea told the Belfast Telegraph that he would not contest the assembly election and was looking for a new career.
He was recently cleared of complaints of inappropriate and sexual misconduct which were brought against him.
Speaking to the newspaper he said: "Over the past 10 days or so a number of family members were upset by the reality of politics in Northern Ireland.
"Personally, I can take the rough with the smooth, but no man is an island and you have to take on board what family and friends are feeling.
"There's no doubt the pressure over the past two years was constant and at times severe.
"It did have an effect on my health, my relationships and my general wellbeing."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 May 2023
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
21 August 2018
Over 500 Attend Farm First Aid Awareness Training
More than 500 farm family members and employees have attended First Aid Awareness training since March 2018, as part of the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme. Up to 100 accidents which need medical attention occur each month on Northern Ireland farms.
Over 500 Attend Farm First Aid Awareness Training
More than 500 farm family members and employees have attended First Aid Awareness training since March 2018, as part of the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme. Up to 100 accidents which need medical attention occur each month on Northern Ireland farms.
11 February 2026
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
21 May 2025
SDLP Accuses DUP Of 'Divisive Politics' In Immigration Debate
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the DUP of "plumbing new depths" and pushing divisive politics reminiscent of Enoch Powell during an Assembly debate on immigration brought forward by the DUP on Tuesday.
SDLP Accuses DUP Of 'Divisive Politics' In Immigration Debate
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the DUP of "plumbing new depths" and pushing divisive politics reminiscent of Enoch Powell during an Assembly debate on immigration brought forward by the DUP on Tuesday.
03 September 2024
Executive Does Not Have The Will To 'Do Politics Differently' – Greens
The Green Party NI has accused the other Executive parties of not having the political will to "do politics differently".
Executive Does Not Have The Will To 'Do Politics Differently' – Greens
The Green Party NI has accused the other Executive parties of not having the political will to "do politics differently".
-




Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Quite cloudy with some rain to start. Variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells during the day along with scattered slow moving showers, occasionally heavy and thundery. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Partly cloudy this evening with any remaining heavy showers soon clearing away. The rest of the night will then be largely cloudy with the risk of a few showers later. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
