Andrew Park is a Candidate for Belfast South in the March 7th Assembly Election.

Andrew Park was elected Deputy Leader of the Progressive Unionist Party at the Annual Conference on 14th October 2006.

Andrew was born in Partick, Glasgow and lived in Clydebank in Scotland He came to Northern Ireland in 1973. He married a local girl and has 4 grown - up children.

Andrew has been involved in Loyalist politics, community politics and party politics for 25 years. He was chairman of the Ulster Clubs movement in the late 80’s and was also a member of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1985 - 2000 holding various position in the party.

Andrew has been involved in Community Development and Community Relations for over 20 years. Has been Chairman of Lisburn Community Forum, Treasurer of Lisburn Citizens Advice Bureau, Treasurer of Lisburn Peace and Reconciliation Partnership and Chairman of his local community group for 10 years.

Andrew is at present an executive member of North and West Belfast Parades and Cultural Forum and is a member of one of the negotiation teams. He has studied and trained in conflict studies (i.e. mediation, negotiation etc). He is a keen advocate of Conflict Transformation.

“Coming out of 30 odd years of conflict we need to engage with our “enemies” in a non - violent conversation. Since conflict usually transforms perceptions by accentuating the differences between people and positions effective Conflict Transformation can work to improve mutual understanding”.