Dermot Nesbitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dermot Nesbitt
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| Minister of the Environment | |
| In office 20 February 2002 – 15 October 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Sam Foster |
| Succeeded by | Arlene Foster |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Down |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 7 March 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency created |
| Succeeded by | John McCallister |
| Northern Ireland Forum Member for South Down |
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| In office 30 May 1996 – 25 April 1998 |
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| Preceded by | New forum |
| Succeeded by | Forum dissolved |
| Member of Down District Council |
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| In office 15 May 1985 – 17 May 1989 |
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| Preceded by | New district |
| Succeeded by | Albert Colmer |
| Constituency | Rowallane |
| In office 20 May 1981 – 15 May 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Edward McVeigh |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Down Area A |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 August 1947 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Ulster Unionist Party (before 1974;1981 - present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Unionist Party NI (1974-1981) |
| Spouse | Oriel Nesbitt (m.1970-present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Queen's University Belfast |
| Profession | Economist, academic |
Dermot Nesbitt (born 14 August 1947) is a former politician from Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for South Down from 1998 to 2007.
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Early Life and Education
Dermot Nesbitt was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on August 14, 1947. He went to Down High School. Later, he studied economics at Queen's University Belfast. After his studies, he became a lecturer (a university teacher) at Queen's University. He taught finance there until he was in his early 70s.
Starting in Politics
Dermot Nesbitt joined the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) early in his career. From 1973 to 1977, he worked as an election agent for Brian Faulkner. An election agent helps a politician run their election campaign. During this time, Nesbitt was also part of the Unionist Party of Northern Ireland.
By 1981, he had rejoined the UUP. He was then elected to the Down District Council. This meant he helped make decisions for the local area. He held this position until 1989.
Serving in the Assembly
In 1996, Dermot Nesbitt was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum for South Down. The Forum was a group that discussed the future of Northern Ireland.
He continued to represent South Down in the Northern Ireland Assembly. He was elected in both the 1998 and 2003 elections.
Roles in Government
From 1998 to 2002, Nesbitt was a junior minister. He worked in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. This office helps lead the Northern Ireland government.
In 2002, he became the Minister of the Environment. This role meant he was in charge of environmental issues in Northern Ireland. He held this position until October 2002.
Later Career
Dermot Nesbitt retired from politics in 2007. Another UUP member, John McCallister, took over his seat in the South Down area.
Nesbitt also ran for a seat in the UK Parliament (Westminster) for South Down. He tried in the 1997, 2001, and 2005 general elections, but he was not successful.
Community Life
Dermot Nesbitt lives in Crossgar, a place where his family has lived for many years. He has been very active in his local community. He has also been involved in many church activities in the area.
In 1983, while at Queen's University, Nesbitt was a witness to a very sad event. His colleague, Edgar Graham, was shot and killed. This was a difficult experience for him.
