Billy has been involved with Unionist/Loyalist politics for decades and was instrumental in bringing about the Loyalist Ceasefire of 1994. He was a key component of the Progressive Unionist Party negotiating team which brought about the Good Friday Agreement.

Billy is passionate about ensuring the Loyalist Working Class is properly represented, after such a long period of mismanagement under the mainstream Unionist political parties.

Billy has a keen interest in the education system and is a strong advocate of integrated education.

Billy was elected to Belfast City Council in 1997 to represent the Oldpark Ward. He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 to represent North Belfast. During his time in the Assembly Billy developed a reputation as one of the most hardworking and efficient MLAs.

Billy is a passionate and effective community worker who has a reputation for his preparedness to try new initiatives when it comes to solving old problems. He is currently employed in a community development role in the Mount Vernon area of North Belfast.