13/12/2006
Senior UUP member to step down
Senior Ulster Unionist member Dermot Nesbitt has today revealed that he will not be seeking re-election to the Stormont Assembly when it reconvenes in March.
Mr Nesbitt, the Assembly member for South Down, is one of the main defenders of the Good Friday Agreement, which he helped to negotiate in 1998.
After devolution was restored, he became a junior Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive, and was later promoted to Environment Minister.
Dermot Nesbitt, 59, became involved in politics in 1973 as an election agent for Brian Faulkner, which he did until 1977.
He was a member of Down District Council from 1981 to 1989 and in 1996 Mr Nesbitt was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum, and became a member of the Ulster Unionist negotiating team.
Commenting on his decision to step down, Mr Nesbitt said: "I just think it is time to stand aside and let others progress."
(EF/KMcA)
Mr Nesbitt, the Assembly member for South Down, is one of the main defenders of the Good Friday Agreement, which he helped to negotiate in 1998.
After devolution was restored, he became a junior Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive, and was later promoted to Environment Minister.
Dermot Nesbitt, 59, became involved in politics in 1973 as an election agent for Brian Faulkner, which he did until 1977.
He was a member of Down District Council from 1981 to 1989 and in 1996 Mr Nesbitt was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum, and became a member of the Ulster Unionist negotiating team.
Commenting on his decision to step down, Mr Nesbitt said: "I just think it is time to stand aside and let others progress."
(EF/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
06 February 2024
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.