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 was born on June 3, 1976. He is a politician from Northern Ireland. He is currently an Independent Unionist.
Since 2014, he has served as a local councillor. He represents the Cusher area on the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Before this, he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). He represented the Newry and Armagh area from 1998 to 2007. He was first elected as a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). In 2006, he left the DUP to become an Independent Unionist.
Early Life and Beginnings
Paul Berry was born in Craigavon, which is in County Armagh. He grew up in a town called Tandragee. He went to local schools and colleges there. After finishing school, he worked in the textile industry.
When he was 16 years old, he joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). At the same age, he also started singing gospel music. He sang in churches in the North Armagh and Banbridge areas.
Political Journey
Paul Berry became well-known as a singer. This helped him when he entered politics. In 1998, he was elected as an MLA. He was only 22 years old, making him 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.
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.
In 2005, he was the DUP candidate for the Newry and Armagh constituency in the UK general election. Later, he left the DUP and became an Independent Unionist.
In the 2007 Assembly election, he ran as an Independent candidate. However, he was not elected that time.
Current Roles and Activities
Paul Berry is still active as a gospel singer. He has released three music collections. He is married to Lorna. Today, he works as a local estate agent in Tandragee.
He was re-elected to Armagh City District Council in 2011. In 2014, he was elected to the new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. He continued to represent the Cusher District. He was re-elected to this council in 2019 and again in 2023.
In 2016, he ran again in the Assembly election for Newry and Armagh. However, he was not elected.
