William Irwin is retiring from politics after almost 20 years representing Newry and Armagh as a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA.
In a letter seen by the Belfast Telegraph, DUP Chief Executive Timothy Johnston told members that Irwin is stepping down, saying he has “worked tirelessly to deliver for his constituents and from 2017 has been the only unionist elected to the Assembly from Newry and Armagh.”
The DUP will now have to select a replacement, with the favourite reportedly being Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon councillor Gareth Wilson. Those interested have until 5pm on Tuesday to send their CV and a cover letter to party officers, who will conduct interviews for the position.
On Monday afternoon, the DUP issued a statement confirming Irwin’s decision to step down.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that “William is a fantastic example of public service.”
“As a busy farmer he had many demands on his time, but stepped forward to represent the community and was first elected to the former Armagh City and District Council in 2005,” he added.
“Upon election to the Assembly, William quickly established himself as the Party’s spokesperson on agricultural matters. He has been an authentic voice representing farmers and the wider agri-food industry, including his time as Chair of the Agriculture Committee. For William, I know the focus has always been on getting things done and he has always gone about his work quietly but most effectively.”
“As friends and colleagues, we will miss William from our Assembly Team, but I know he will continue to take a keen interest and be a source of guidance whenever called upon.”
The DUP leader added: “I want to wish William and Olive all the very best for the future and I know he will be missed not just amongst the DUP ranks, but by all those who have worked with him over the last 20 years.”
Willie Irwin first entered politics in 2005 as a member of Armagh City and District Council for The Orchard DEA. He made the decision to get into politics after his 15-year-old son drowned in a swimming pool and he met with DUP leader Ian Paisley.
“Dr Paisley came and prayed with us and offered great support. It gave me a new perspective on life. I wanted to put something back into the community,” he said at the time.
In 2007 he was elected as an MLA in Newry and Armagh, and has been re-elected at every Assembly election since. He topped the polls in 2016 and 2017, but in 2022 he was elected on the last count when TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe stood.
