William Irwin (Unionist politician)

For other politicians of the same name, see William Irwin (disambiguation).

William Irwin is a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician, serving as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Newry and Armagh since 2007. Irwin is the DUP's Spokesperson for Agriculture and Rural Affairs.^[1]

William Irwin MLA
Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Newry and Armagh
Incumbent
Assumed office 7 March 2007
Preceded by	Paul Berry
Member of Armagh City and District Council
In office 5 May 2005 – 22 May 2014
Preceded by	Brian Hutchinson
Succeeded by	Council abolished
Constituency	The Orchard
Personal details
Born	(1956-12-12) 12 December 1956 (age 68) Kilmore, Northern Ireland
Nationality	British
Political party	Democratic Unionist Party

Background

Irwin entered politics after his son, Philip, drowned in a swimming pool, and he met DUP founder, Ian Paisley. "He was only 15. Dr Paisley came and prayed with us and offered great support.^[2]

Irwin first stood for election on Armagh City and District Council in 2001, unsuccessfully contesting The Orchard DEA. He was elected to the District in 2005, and was later re-elected in 2011.

He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at the 2007 Assembly election, as an MLA for Newry and Armagh.

Irwin stood in the Newry and Armagh constituency at both the 2017 and 2019 General Elections, finishing second on each occasion with 24.6% and 21.7% of the vote respectively.^[3]

Outside of politics, Irwin is a local dairy farmer.