Sam Foster (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Foster, CBE
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|---|---|
| Minister of the Environment | |
| In office 29 November 1999 – 20 February 2002 |
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| Preceded by | New office |
| Succeeded by | Dermot Nesbitt |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 26 November 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency created |
| Succeeded by | Tom Elliott |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samuel Foster
7 December 1931 Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 19 August 2014 (aged 82) Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Ulster Unionist Party |
| Spouse | Dorothy Foster |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Ulster Polytechnic |
| Profession | Social Worker, police officer |
Samuel Foster was an important politician from Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), a political group in Northern Ireland. He served in the government, known as the Northern Ireland Executive, from 1998 to 2002. He also represented the Fermanagh and South Tyrone area as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1998 to 2003.
Contents
Samuel Foster's Life and Career
Early Life and Public Service
Samuel Foster was born on 7 December 1931 in Lisnaskea, a town in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. He studied at Enniskillen Technical College and later at the Ulster Polytechnic. By profession, he was a social worker, helping people in his community.
Before becoming a politician, Samuel Foster served in different public roles. He was a Special Constable in the Ulster Special Constabulary for 21 years. He also served as an officer, reaching the rank of Major, in the Ulster Defence Regiment.
Local and National Politics
Samuel Foster began his political career when he was elected to the Fermanagh District Council in 1981. This council was responsible for local government in the Fermanagh area. He served on the council until 2001 and was even its Chairman from 1995 to 1997.
In 1987, there was a terrible event known as the Remembrance Day bombing. Samuel Foster was nearly a victim himself, but he was highly praised for his brave efforts to rescue others who were hurt.
In 1996, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue, which was a group set up to discuss the future of Northern Ireland. Then, in the 1998 election, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This Assembly is the main law-making body for Northern Ireland.
Role as Environment Minister
In 1999, Samuel Foster was given a very important job: he was appointed the Minister of the Environment. This meant he was in charge of looking after Northern Ireland's environment. He was appointed by David Trimble, who was the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party at the time.
Sadly, Samuel Foster had to resign from his role as Environment Minister in 2002 because of a health condition called Parkinson’s Disease. After his resignation, Dermot Nesbitt took over his position.
Later Public Service
Samuel Foster also played a role in policing in Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Northern Ireland Police Authority from 1982 to 1985. Later, in 1999, he was appointed to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. This board helps to oversee the police force in Northern Ireland. He remained on the board until it was reorganized in 2006.
He decided not to stand for election again in the 2003 elections and stepped down from the Assembly.
Family Life
Samuel Foster was married and had three children. He was a lifelong member of the Orange Order in Fermanagh, which is a Protestant fraternal organization. Interestingly, a nephew of Samuel Foster is married to Arlene Foster, who later became a leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and First Minister of Northern Ireland. Samuel Foster passed away on 19 August 2014, at the age of 82.
