Paul Berry (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Berry
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| Member of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council | |
| Assumed office 22 May 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Council established |
| Constituency | Cusher |
| Member of Armagh City and District Council | |
| In office 7 June 2001 – 22 May 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Sharon McClelland |
| Succeeded by | Council abolished |
| Constituency | Cusher |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Newry and Armagh |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 7 March 2007 |
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| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | William Irwin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 June 1976 Craigavon, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Independent Unionist (2006 - present) DUP (1992–2006) |
| Spouse | Lorna Berry |
Paul Berry (born 3 June 1976) is a politician from Northern Ireland. He is an Independent Unionist. Since 2014, he has served as a councillor for the Cusher area. This is part of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Before this, he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). He represented Newry and Armagh from 1998 to 2007. He was first elected as a candidate for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). In 2006, he left the DUP to become an Independent Unionist.
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Early Life and Background
Paul Berry was born in Craigavon, County Armagh. He grew up in Tandragee. He went to local schools and colleges there. After his education, he worked in the textile industry.
When he was 16, he joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). At the same age, he also started singing gospel music. He performed in churches around North Armagh and Banbridge.
Political Journey
Paul Berry became well-known as a singer. This helped him in his political career.
Becoming an MLA
In 1998, at age 22, he was elected as an MLA. He was the youngest MLA in the first Northern Ireland Assembly. He represented the Newry and Armagh constituency for the DUP. He was elected again in 2003.
Local Council Work
In 2001, he was elected to the Armagh City and District Council. He represented the Cusher District. He was re-elected to this council in 2005 and again in 2011.
In 2014, he was elected to the new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. This council replaced the previous one. He continued to represent the Cusher District. He was re-elected to this council in 2019 and 2023.
Standing as an Independent
In the 2005 general election, Paul Berry was a DUP candidate. After some events, he resigned from the DUP. He then became an Independent politician.
He is an active member of the Orange Order. In the 2007 Assembly election, he ran as an Independent candidate. He did not agree with the DUP's plan to put the St Andrews Agreement into action. However, he was not elected in that election. He also stood in the 2016 Assembly election but was not elected.
Current Activities
Paul Berry still performs as a gospel singer. He has released three music collections. He is married to Lorna Berry. Today, he works as a local estate agent in Tandragee.
