Nuala McAllister facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nuala McAllister
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| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Belfast North |
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| Assumed office 7 May 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Nichola Mallon |
| 74th Lord Mayor of Belfast | |
| In office 1 June 2017 – 1 June 2018 |
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| Deputy | Sonia Copeland |
| Preceded by | Brian Kingston |
| Succeeded by | Deirdre Hargey |
| Member of Belfast City Council |
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| In office 22 May 2014 – 7 May 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Tierna Cunningham |
| Succeeded by | Sam Nelson |
| Constituency | Castle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Northern Irish |
| Political party | Alliance |
| Domestic partner | Sam Nelson |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Website | Assembly profile |
Nuala McAllister is a politician from Northern Ireland. She is a member of the Alliance Party. She serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). She was elected as an MLA in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election for Belfast North.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nuala McAllister grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She was raised in a Catholic family. She later became an atheist. She went to school at Dominican College, Fortwilliam. After that, she studied at Ulster University.
Political Journey
Starting as a City Councillor
Nuala McAllister began her political career as a councillor. She was elected for the Alliance Party in the Castle area of North Belfast. This happened during the local elections in 2014. She was re-elected in the 2019 local elections. She received the most votes in her area that year.
Becoming Lord Mayor of Belfast
From 2017 to 2018, Nuala McAllister held an important role. She was the Lord Mayor of Belfast. During her time as Lord Mayor, she focused on making Belfast a welcoming place. She wanted to show that Belfast was open to everyone. She also aimed to encourage new businesses.
Some people criticized her for speaking her mind. However, her party, the Alliance Party, supported her. They said she brought a new energy to the role. They also saw her as a great example for young women and working mothers. She was the first "young mother" to become Lord Mayor.
Running for the Assembly
Before becoming an MLA, Nuala McAllister ran for the Northern Ireland Assembly twice. She was a candidate for Belfast North in the 2016 and 2017 elections. She did not win a seat on those occasions.
She also ran in the 2019 UK general election. This was for the Westminster Parliament. She did not win this election either.
Serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly
In the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Nuala McAllister ran again. This time, she was successful. She won a seat for Belfast North. She took over the seat previously held by Nichola Mallon. This was one of nine seats that the Alliance Party gained in that election.
Personal Life
Nuala McAllister has two sons. Her partner is Sam Nelson.
