David FORD

Contact Details.

Political Career

> Alliance Leader since October 2001.

> Alliance Assembly Spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, and on the Environment.

> Alliance Chief Whip, 1998-2001.

> Candidate, Antrim Borough Council, 1989 (Antrim SE); elected to Council (Antrim SE) 1993 and 1997, (Antrim Town) 2005.

> Candidate, House of Commons, 1997, 2000 by-election, 2001 and 2005 (South Antrim).

> Candidate, Northern Ireland Forum, 1996 (South Antrim).

> Elected to Northern Ireland Assembly 1998, 2003 and 2007 (South Antrim).

Northern Ireland Assembly:

> Former member of Business Committee.

> 1999: Member of Departmental Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Environment. 2007: Committee on the Environment.

> Former Secretary of Assembly All-Party Groups on International Development and on Mental Health.

Former member of:

> Northern Health and Social Services Council.

> Lower Bann Advisory Committee.

> Lough Neagh Advisory Committee.

> Lower Bann Leader.

A highly active politician and one of the most vociferous supporters of the Good Friday Agreement, David Ford has done much to establish Alliance as the party of constructive opposition in the Assembly.

He has become known for his campaigning to improve the Northern Ireland rail network and his knowledge of rural affairs means his voice is rarely ignored in agricultural matters.

Within the environmental field, David Ford has campaigned on nature conservation, protection of hares, planning and waste management issues.

As Leader of Alliance, David was responsible for breaking the deadlock over the election of a First Minister and Deputy First Minister in October 2001. He remains committed to building on the Good Friday Agreement to bring about a non-sectarian society.

Married with three daughters and one son.

Personal Website.