Stephen Farry, former deputy leader of the Alliance Party, will join Ulster University to co-lead their new Strategic Policy Unit with Dr Jodie Carson.
The former MP for North Down lost his seat in this year’s general election and announced his intention to stand down as Alliance Party deputy leader in September.
Jodie Carson previously worked as an adviser to Farry, and more recently to Alliance minister Andrew Muir.
Ulster University said, “Combining their considerable experience in policy and strategy and their innate understanding of the political, economic and social landscape, the Unit will offer influential strategic policy analysis in a public-facing space.”
Stephen Farry said:
“This marks a new chapter in my career – a departure from party politics. It is a new and exciting opportunity for me to continue to make a significant contribution to society by addressing some of the biggest challenges both here in Northern Ireland and further afield. I am particularly pleased to be joining an institution that has a long-established track record of playing a leading part in advances that are helping to build sustainable futures and improve the quality of life for us all through its research and impact.
“It is increasingly evident that rising populism and polarisation within politics creates barriers to the collaborative, consensual solutions that we so desperately need to address significant socio-economic, environmental and geopolitical pressures. I agree with Ulster University leaders that there is a critical role for academia in addressing such issues. I can’t wait to get started.”
Jodie Carson said:
I am delighted to be appointed to develop this new Strategic Policy Unit at Ulster. I have a long-standing connection to the University, having worked in the Economic Policy Centre and Business School .
“This is a seminal moment in Northern Ireland with a new Programme for Government and a forthcoming UK Government Spending Review, both of which could be transformational for this region. Through this new Strategic Policy Unit we are very much looking forward to playing our part in informing public discourse and related policy development here.”
Eoin Tennyson and Kate Nicholl are the two candidates to replace Farry as deputy leader. The successful candidate will be announced on October 8.
