Northern Ireland

David Ford: Former Alliance leader to retire as an MLA

Former Alliance leader David Ford is to retire as an MLA for South Antrim
Former Alliance leader David Ford is to retire as an MLA for South Antrim Former Alliance leader David Ford is to retire as an MLA for South Antrim

FORMER Alliance leader David Ford is to retire as an MLA.

Mr Ford will officially step down on June 30 - 20 years after he first claimed his assembly seat for South Antrim.

Alliance members in the constituency will meet tomorrow to choose Mr Ford's successor.

The 67-year-old led the Alliance party between 2001 and 2016. He also served as justice minister from 2010-2016.

A former social worker, Mr Ford previously served as a councillor in Antrim and is his party's spokesman on agriculture, the environment and rural affairs.

Mr Ford said it had been "an enormous privilege" to serve his constituency and party.

"However, I feel now is the right time for me to step down," he said. "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."

He said June 30 will mark his 20-year anniversary as an MLA "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," he said.

"I will of course remain an active party member and support it in any way I can to continue its trend of growing."

He added: "I leave the party team in safe hands with the next generation, under the leadership of Naomi Long and Stephen Farry."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood praised David Ford for his "integrity".

"Mr Ford has dedicated his political career to better the life of his constituents as an MLA for South Antrim, his own party during his years as Alliance party leader, and his determination to better our justice system through his time holding the departmental portfolio," he said.

"The SDLP wish Mr Ford the best in his retirement and extend a hand of gratitude for his willingness to work with us over the years."