Diane Dodds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lady Dodds of Duncairn
|
|
|---|---|
Dodds in 2014
|
|
| Minister for the Economy | |
| In office 11 January 2020 – 14 June 2021 |
|
| First Minister | Arlene Foster |
| Preceded by | Simon Hamilton |
| Succeeded by | Paul Frew |
| Member of the European Parliament for Northern Ireland |
|
| In office 4 June 2009 – 31 January 2020 |
|
| Preceded by | Jim Allister |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Upper Bann |
|
| Assumed office 11 January 2020 |
|
| Preceded by | Carla Lockhart |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Belfast West |
|
| In office 26 November 2003 – 7 March 2007 |
|
| Preceded by | Joe Hendron |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer McCann |
| Member of Belfast City Council |
|
| In office 5 May 2005 – 21 April 2010 |
|
| Preceded by | Eric Smyth |
| Succeeded by | Brian Kingston |
| Constituency | Court |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 August 1958 Rathfriland, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Spouse | Nigel, Lord Dodds of Duncairn |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Queen's University Belfast |
| Profession | Teacher |
Diane Dodds, born on August 16, 1958, is a politician from Northern Ireland. She is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). She has held important roles, including being a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly. She is married to Lord Dodds.
Contents
About Diane Dodds
Diane Dodds grew up in a farming family. She was born in Rathfriland, County Down. She went to Banbridge Academy for school. Later, she studied at Queen's University Belfast. While at university, she met her husband, Nigel Dodds. He also became a politician.
Her Political Journey
Diane Dodds has been involved in politics for many years. She has served in different roles. Her career shows how people can represent their communities.
Serving in the Northern Ireland Assembly
In 2003, Diane Dodds was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. She represented the area of Belfast West. This was a big achievement. She was the first Unionist elected from West Belfast in over 20 years.
She also ran for a local government position in 2005. This was for the Court District Electoral Area. She received many votes. This helped two of her teammates get elected too.
Work with Belfast City Council
Dodds was also active in the Belfast City Council. She was the Chief Whip for her party's group. She led the Policy and Resources Committee. She supported a campaign to welcome home soldiers. These soldiers were returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Representing Northern Ireland in Europe
In 2009, Diane Dodds was chosen to represent Northern Ireland in the European Parliament. She became a MEP. She served in this role until 2020. This meant she helped make decisions that affected Northern Ireland and other European countries.
Returning to the Northern Ireland Assembly
In January 2020, Diane Dodds returned to the Northern Ireland Assembly. She became an MLA for Upper Bann. She took on this role full-time after the UK left the European Union. She is now the DUP's spokesperson for Education and Skills.
