About David Ford

MLA for South Antrim and Leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

A highly active politician and one of the most vociferous supporters of the principle of partnership government, David Ford has done much to establish Alliance as the party of constructive opposition in the Assembly. He has campaigned for the building of a united community and opposed Government actions which have reinforced divisions. He now leads a team of nine 'United Community' MLAs at Stormont.

He has become known for his campaigning to improve the Northern Ireland rail network. He also has an extensive knowledge of rural affairs, both regarding agriculture and the wider social issues.

Within the environmental field, David Ford has campaigned on nature conservation, protection of hares, planning and waste management issues. He has strongly supported the introduction of alternative renewable energy.

Assembly

As Leader of Alliance, David was responsible for breaking the deadlock over the election of a First Minister and Deputy First Minister in October 2001. He remains committed to building on the Good Friday Agreement to bring about a non-sectarian society. He opposes the sectarian aspects of the St Andrews proposals.

David is married with three daughters and one son. He was previously a Social Worker with the Northern Health and Social Services Board in Antrim, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus.

Political Career

• Alliance Leader since October 2001.

• Alliance Assembly Spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, and on the Environment.

• Alliance Chief Whip, 1998-2001.

• Candidate, Antrim Borough Council, 1989 (Antrim SE); elected to Council (Antrim SE) 1993 and 1997; (Antrim Town) 2005.

• Candidate, House of Commons, 1997, 2000 by-election, 2001 and 2005 (South Antrim).

• Elected to Northern Ireland Assembly, 1998, 2003 and 2007 (South Antrim).

• Candidate, Northern Ireland Forum, 1996 (South Antrim).

Northern Ireland Assembly:

• Former member of Business Committee.

• Member of Departmental Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Environment in 1998 mandate, and the Environment Committee from 2007.

• Member of Assembly All-Party Groups on International Development, Mental Health and Animal Welfare.

Local/Council interests include:

• Member of District Policing Partnership, 2005-07.

• Former member of Northern Health and Social Services Council.

• Has served on Lower Bann and Lough Neagh Advisory Committees, and Lower Bann LEADER.

• Governor, Round Tower Integrated Primary School, Antrim.

External profiles

• BBC profile 2005.

• BBC profile 2007.

• Wikipedia profile.