Skip to content

DUP assembly member announces he's stepping down after 20 years

Brendan HughesPolitical reporter, BBC News NI
News imageDUP A woman and two men holding a picture. The woman has short blonde hair, a black top and red blazer. The man in the middle is bald with hair on the side, he is wearing a suit and white shirt with a tie. The man at the end of the row is wearing a black blazer, patterned tie and shirt. He also has glasses.DUP
DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP with deputy leader Michelle McIlveen MLA present William Irwin MLA with a painting of Armagh Mall on the occasion of his retirement

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member has announced he is stepping down from Stormont after 20 years in elected politics.

William Irwin has been a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Newry and Armagh constituency since 2007.

He also previously served as a councillor in the former Armagh City and District Council following his election in 2005.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson described Irwin as a "fantastic example of public service" who has "always gone about his work quietly but most effectively".

'Authentic voice'

"As a busy farmer he had many demands on his time, but stepped forward to represent the community," he added.

Irwin served on various assembly scrutiny committees including as chair of the agriculture committee.

"He has been an authentic voice representing farmers and the wider agri-food industry," Robinson said.

The DUP leader added: "As friends and colleagues, we will miss William from our assembly team, but I know he will continue to take a keen interest and be a source of guidance whenever called upon."