John Blair (Northern Ireland politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Blair
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Blair in 2024
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| Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| Assumed office 3 February 2024 Serving with Carál Ní Chuilín and Steve Aiken
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| Preceded by | Roy Beggs Jr (2022) |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for South Antrim |
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| Assumed office 27 June 2018 |
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| Preceded by | David Ford |
| Member of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council | |
| In office 22 May 2014 – 27 June 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Council created |
| Succeeded by | Julian McGrath |
| Constituency | Glengormley Urban |
| Member of Newtownabbey Borough Council | |
| In office 5 May 2011 – 22 May 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Tom Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Council abolished |
| Constituency | Antrim Line |
| In office 21 May 1997 – 7 June 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Elizabeth Frazer |
| Succeeded by | Briege Meehan |
| Constituency | Antrim Line |
| In office 19 May 1993 – 21 May 1997 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Billy Webb |
| Constituency | Macedon |
| In office 17 May 1989 – 19 May 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Allister |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Doagh Road |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 February 1966 |
| Nationality | Northern Irish |
| Political party | Alliance |
| Other political affiliations |
Newtownabbey Ratepayers' Association (1997–2005) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Website | http://www.johnblairmla.com/ |
John Kenneth Blair (born 10 February 1966) is a politician from the Alliance Party. He currently serves as a Deputy Speaker for the Northern Ireland Assembly. He has also been a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for the area of South Antrim since 2018.
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John Blair's Political Journey
John Blair has been involved in politics for many years, helping his local community and later working in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Starting as a Local Councillor
John Blair began his political career as a councillor. A councillor is someone elected to help manage a local area, like a town or district. In 1997, he was elected to the Newtownabbey Borough Council as a member of the Newtownabbey Ratepayers' Association.
However, he lost his seat in the 2001 local elections. He tried again in the 2005 elections but was not successful that time.
Helping the Community in Newtownabbey
In 2011, John Blair was elected to the Newtownabbey Borough Council again. This time, he ran as a candidate for the Alliance Party. He received many votes and was elected on the very first count.
He was re-elected in 2014 to the new Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This new council was formed by combining different local areas. He represented the Glengormley Urban area.
Becoming a Member of the Assembly
In 2018, John Blair became a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA). An MLA helps make laws and decisions for all of Northern Ireland. He was chosen to fill the Assembly seat for South Antrim after the previous Alliance Party leader, David Ford, stepped down. This process is called being "co-opted," meaning he was selected to fill the empty spot without a general election.
Working in the Northern Ireland Assembly
As an MLA, John Blair has taken on important roles. He has been appointed to the British–Irish Parliamentary Assembly, which helps politicians from Britain and Ireland work together. He also serves on the Northern Ireland Policing Board, which helps oversee policing in Northern Ireland.
In 2019, he ran for the UK Parliament in the general election. While he didn't win, he greatly increased the number of votes for the Alliance Party in that area.
He was re-elected as an MLA in the 2022 Assembly election, showing continued support from voters in South Antrim.
See also
- Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
- List of the first LGBT holders of political offices in the United Kingdom
