Belfast North facts for kids

Belfast North is a name used to describe different areas in Northern Ireland, mainly for elections. When people talk about "Belfast North," they are usually talking about a specific area where citizens vote to choose someone to represent them in a government body. This elected person then speaks for the people of Belfast North in places like the UK Parliament or the Northern Ireland Assembly.

What is a Constituency?

A constituency is like a special voting district. In an election, people living in a constituency vote for a candidate they want to represent them. The person who gets the most votes becomes their representative. This system helps make sure that different parts of a country have a voice in how the country is run. Belfast North has been used as the name for several important constituencies over the years.

Voting for the UK Parliament

Belfast North (UK Parliament constituency)

This is an area in Belfast where people vote to choose a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the House of Commons in London. The House of Commons is part of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which makes laws for the whole UK. This constituency is still active today, meaning people in Belfast North continue to elect an MP to speak for them in the UK government.

Voting for the Northern Ireland Assembly

Belfast North (Assembly constituency)

This constituency is for elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Assembly is the main law-making body for Northern Ireland itself. It deals with many local issues like education, health, and housing. People in the Belfast North Assembly constituency vote for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to represent them in this important local government.

Past Parliaments and Constituencies

Throughout history, the way people vote and are represented has changed. Belfast North has been part of other important voting areas in the past.

Belfast North (Northern Ireland Parliament constituency)

From 1921 to 1929, there was a constituency called Belfast North for the Parliament of Northern Ireland. This parliament was created when Northern Ireland was formed. It was responsible for making laws specifically for Northern Ireland during that time. After 1929, the way these areas were divided for voting changed.

Belfast North (Dáil Éireann constituency)

Between 1921 and 1922, there was a potential constituency called Belfast North for Dáil Éireann. Dáil Éireann is the main parliament in the Republic of Ireland. This constituency was considered during a time of big political changes in Ireland, but it was only a possibility for a short period.

See also

• Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland