Menu
17/02/2010
Nesbitt Bids For Iris' Seat
Northern Ireland Victims' Commissioner Mike Nesbitt has been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party's Westminster parliamentary candidate in Strangford.
Mr Nesbitt, who is expected to resign from his quango post, is best known as a former television presenter at UTV.
He was interviewed for the candidacy at UUP headquarters yesterday. Also in the running were retired Army officer, Colin Heron, and a former councillor, Philip Smith.
However, before Mr Nesbitt's General Election campaign can begin he must gain the backing of a joint UUP/Tory committee.
The parties' electoral alliance - known as Ulster Conservatives and Unionist New Force - stipulates that both must agree on the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) fielded in a constituency.
If selected Mr Nesbitt, who is married to UTV Live anchorwoman Lynda Bryans, will bid for the seat previously held by Iris Robinson.
The shamed politician stood down as an MP and MLA after being expelled by the DUP earlier this year over alleged improper financial dealings.
At the 2005 Westminster election the DUP secured 56% of the vote in Strangford with the Ulster Unionists polling on 21%.
Mrs Robinson defeated UUP stalwart John Taylor - now Lord Kilclooney - for the seat in 2001.
Lord Kilclooney had been the incumbent Member of Parliament in the constituency, which encompasses Newtownards and the Ards Pennisula, for 16 years.
Meanwhile, long standing West Belfast MP and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has been reselected by party members to contest his Commons seat at the next election.
Mr Adams stood unopposed and received a standing ovation after thanking the convention for its support.
South Tyrone MP, and Stormont Farming Minister, Michelle Gildernew officiated over the nomination and selection process.
(PR/BMcc)
Mr Nesbitt, who is expected to resign from his quango post, is best known as a former television presenter at UTV.
He was interviewed for the candidacy at UUP headquarters yesterday. Also in the running were retired Army officer, Colin Heron, and a former councillor, Philip Smith.
However, before Mr Nesbitt's General Election campaign can begin he must gain the backing of a joint UUP/Tory committee.
The parties' electoral alliance - known as Ulster Conservatives and Unionist New Force - stipulates that both must agree on the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) fielded in a constituency.
If selected Mr Nesbitt, who is married to UTV Live anchorwoman Lynda Bryans, will bid for the seat previously held by Iris Robinson.
The shamed politician stood down as an MP and MLA after being expelled by the DUP earlier this year over alleged improper financial dealings.
At the 2005 Westminster election the DUP secured 56% of the vote in Strangford with the Ulster Unionists polling on 21%.
Mrs Robinson defeated UUP stalwart John Taylor - now Lord Kilclooney - for the seat in 2001.
Lord Kilclooney had been the incumbent Member of Parliament in the constituency, which encompasses Newtownards and the Ards Pennisula, for 16 years.
Meanwhile, long standing West Belfast MP and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has been reselected by party members to contest his Commons seat at the next election.
Mr Adams stood unopposed and received a standing ovation after thanking the convention for its support.
South Tyrone MP, and Stormont Farming Minister, Michelle Gildernew officiated over the nomination and selection process.
(PR/BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
13 June 2001
‘BELT UP’ OR ‘PAY UP’ CAMPAIGN
THE launch of a new shock TV advertisement coincided with the release of a major survey commissioned by the NI Department of the Environment (DoE) on the wearing of seat belts in Northern Ireland. The shock advertisement, which was aired for the first time on Wednesday June 13, is part of a campaign encouraging drivers in Ireland to ‘belt up’.
‘BELT UP’ OR ‘PAY UP’ CAMPAIGN
THE launch of a new shock TV advertisement coincided with the release of a major survey commissioned by the NI Department of the Environment (DoE) on the wearing of seat belts in Northern Ireland. The shock advertisement, which was aired for the first time on Wednesday June 13, is part of a campaign encouraging drivers in Ireland to ‘belt up’.
03 July 2014
20% Of Children Not Wearing Seatbelt
One in twenty children in Northern Ireland travelling in the back of a car were not wearing a seat belt in 2014, according to a new report.
20% Of Children Not Wearing Seatbelt
One in twenty children in Northern Ireland travelling in the back of a car were not wearing a seat belt in 2014, according to a new report.
05 July 2006
Seat belt wearing rate in NI increases
A major survey commissioned by the Department Of the Environment has revealed that the overall seat belt wearing rate for car occupants has increased since April 2005.
Seat belt wearing rate in NI increases
A major survey commissioned by the Department Of the Environment has revealed that the overall seat belt wearing rate for car occupants has increased since April 2005.
30 August 2024
Mike Nesbitt Remains Only Potential UUP Leader Candidate
Mike Nesbitt remains the only candidate to replace Doug Beattie as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party(UUP). Mr Beattie announced he was stepping down as leader of the party last week, citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers. Nominations for the leadership contest are due to close later today, Friday 30 August.
Mike Nesbitt Remains Only Potential UUP Leader Candidate
Mike Nesbitt remains the only candidate to replace Doug Beattie as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party(UUP). Mr Beattie announced he was stepping down as leader of the party last week, citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers. Nominations for the leadership contest are due to close later today, Friday 30 August.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
