Mary Simpson (Northern Ireland politician)

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Mary Simpson was a unionist politician in Northern Ireland.

Simpson was honorary secretary of the Central Armagh Unionist Association from 1974 until 1983,[1] and was elected to Craigavon Borough Council for the Ulster Unionist Party at the 1977 local elections. She held her seat in 1981,[2] and served as Mayor of Craigavon in 1981/2, the first woman to hold the post.[1]

At the 1982 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Simpson stood in Armagh. She took only 721 first-preference votes, leaving her in last position, but she was elected on transfers from party colleagues.[3] At the Assembly, she served on the Environment Committee and as vice-chair of the Education Committee.[1] She was re-elected to her council seat in 1985, but stood down in 1989.[4]

In 1990, Simpson served as Chair of the Craigavon and District Housing Association.[1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d Maedhbh McNamara and Paschal Mooney, Women in Parliament: Ireland, 1918-2000, p.236
  2. ^ "The Local Government Elections 1973-1981: Craigavon", Northern Ireland Elections
  3. ^ "Armagh 1973-1983", Northern Ireland Elections
  4. ^ Local Government Elections 1985 - 1989: Armagh, Northern Ireland Elections
Northern Ireland Assembly (1982)
New assembly MPA for Armagh
1982–1986
Assembly abolished
Civic offices
Preceded by
Frank Dale
Mayor of Craigavon
1981–1982
Succeeded by
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