James Kilfedder facts for kids

Sir James Alexander Kilfedder (born 16 July 1928 – died 20 March 1995), often known as Sir Jim Kilfedder, was a Northern Irish unionist politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for different areas in Northern Ireland for many years.

Early Life and Education

Jim Kilfedder was born in Kinlough, a small village in County Leitrim, which was part of the Irish Free State at the time. His family later moved to Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, where he grew up.

He went to Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin (TCD). While at TCD, he was the leader of the College Historical Society, which is one of the oldest student debating clubs in the world.

Jim Kilfedder became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer who argues cases in court. He qualified to practice law in Ireland in 1952 and in England in 1958. He then worked as a lawyer in London.

Political Career Highlights

Starting in Parliament

In the 1964 general election, Jim Kilfedder was chosen as an MP for West Belfast. He belonged to the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). During his election campaign, there was a disagreement about an Irish flag being displayed. Kilfedder complained about it, and the flag was removed. He lost his seat in the next election in 1966.

However, he was elected again in the 1970 general election. This time, he became the MP for North Down. He held this seat for a long time, until he passed away in 1995.

Changing Political Views

In 1973, Kilfedder was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He initially supported a plan called the Sunningdale Agreement, which aimed to share power in Northern Ireland. But after the election, he changed his mind and opposed parts of the plan.

In 1977, he left the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He disagreed with some of their policies. He wanted to see the Stormont administration (Northern Ireland's own government) brought back. For a while, he worked as an "Independent Ulster Unionist."

Forming a New Party

In 1980, Jim Kilfedder started his own political party called the Ulster Popular Unionist Party (UPUP). He was re-elected as an MP under this new party's name in all future elections.

He was also elected as the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1982 to 1986. The Speaker is like the referee in a debate, making sure rules are followed. While he was Speaker, he earned more money than the Prime Minister.

Death and Legacy

Sir Jim Kilfedder died on 20 March 1995 from a heart attack. He was traveling by train into London at the time.

He never married and was survived by his two sisters. Many people remembered him as a unique politician from Northern Ireland's past. A politician named Peter Weir described him as "the best MP North Down ever had."

After his death, his political party, the UPUP, did not continue. The special election for his seat in Parliament was won by Robert McCartney.

Jim Kilfedder's personal and political papers are kept at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. He is buried in Roselawn Cemetery in East Belfast.