“I have been involved in Unionist politics for 30 years and in that time I have faithfully and consistently represented all my constituents. Having been a member of the 1974 Northern Ireland Assembly and the Northern Ireland Convention, the experience gained from these terms of office will be used to ensure that the interests of the people in West Belfast are advanced. During my political career I was privileged to be elected Lord Mayor of Belfast and shortly afterwards I had the added distinction of receiving an O.B.E. from Her Majesty the Queen.”