James Craig (County Antrim, 20th century)

James Anderson Craig (December 1931 – 2 November 1974)[1] was a Unionist politician from Northern Ireland who was a founder member of, and early leading figure in, the Democratic Unionist Party.

Educated at Larne Grammar School, Craig became a foreman for the Courtaulds company.[2] Although outside the establishment of the Ulster Unionist Party, he was nonetheless able to gain local representation as an Independent Unionist, serving as a member of Carrickfergus Borough Council from 1962 onwards, including a spell as deputy mayor from 1973–74.[2] He also served as a member of the Northern Ireland Housing Council from 1973–74.[2]

He attempted to gain election to the Parliament of Northern Ireland for Carrick in the 1969 election but lost to the UUP's Anne Dickson[2] However Craig's profile rose somewhat with the formation of the DUP in 1971. He was a founder member of the party and also sat on its executive until his death, whilst chairing the Carrickfergus branch of the party.[2] As a consequence Craig was elected to the 1973 Assembly for North Antrim and was DUP chief whip.[2]

References

1. Elliott, Sydney; Flackes, William D. (1999). Conflict in Northern Ireland: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 218. ISBN 9780874369892. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
2. W.D. Flackes & S. Elliott, Northern Ireland: A Political Directory 1968–1999, by Sidney Elliott and W. D. Flackes. Blackstaff Press (1999); ISBN 0 8564 0628 7.