10/09/2010

Hamilton To Be An MLA?

A veteran Newtownabbey politician, Ballyclare man, Nigel Hamiton (pictured) is thought to be among DUP members who are battling it out to replace former DUP Finance Minister Nigel Dodds as he steps down from the Assembly.

Today's News Letter also reported that Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor William Humphrey and councillor Ian Crozier are all in the running for the seat.

North Belfast MP Mr Dodds announced this week that he was leaving the assembly after more than a decade.

Only DUP elected representatives were invited to put their names forward to be considered.

Alderman Hamilton - a former mayor of Newtownabbey and chair of the local District Policing Partnership may have a task ahead , though as Mr Humphrey is thought to be the frontrunner.

He narrowly missed out on becoming the third DUP MLA - along with Mr Dodds and Nelson McCausland - in the North Belfast constituency in the 2007 election.

The decision on the Stormont seat will be made by DUP leader and nominating officer Peter Robinson and is expected to be announced shortly.

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 February 2024
Tourism NI Launch New 'Get Into Tourism' Training Course
Tourism NI has announced the launch of a new accredited training course, designed to encourage people to 'Get Into Tourism'. The organisation has teamed up with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver the free Level 2 City and Guilds qualifications.
09 February 2024
Chief Constable Criticised For Not Inviting UUP To PNSI Graduation
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has criticised PNSI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, for his failure to invite their party leader, Doug Beattie, to the PSNI Graduation Ceremony. UUP member of the Policing Board, Mike Nesbitt, said: "For the avoidance of doubt, I welcome the fact Michelle O'Neill MLA will attend in her capacity as First Minister.
13 September 2010
Deputy Lord Mayor Humphrey Is New MLA
Belfast's Deputy Lord Mayor William Humphrey has been nominated as a Stormont MLA. He has defeated party colleagues councillor Ian Crozier and veteran Newtownabbey politician, Alderman Nigel Hamiton in the battle to replace former Finance Minister Nigel Dodds as he steps down from the Assembly.
23 August 2023
Former DUP Mayor Stripped Of MBE
A former DUP mayor has been stripped of his MBE following a conviction for a sexual offence. Thomas Hogg was found guilty in 2021 of an offence against a teenage boy. He had been made an MBE in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. He resigned from the party in 2019.
24 October 2006
Former DUP mayor assaults photographer
Former DUP mayor of Coleraine Dessie Stewart is being investigated by police after allegedly assaulting a member of the press outside Antrim Court House earlier today. Mr Stewart was due to appear in court for sentencing after admitting to six charges of electoral fraud in 2005, when the incident happened.