Member for Newry and Armagh since 2005. Committees: Chair, Assembly Procedures Committee; Vice-Chair, Public Accounts Committee. Political career: Councillor, Newry and Mourne District Council 1989‑97; MLA, Newry and Armagh since 1998. Education: St Colman's College, Newry.
b. 10 July 1963. Married with two children.

2005				2001
SINN FEIN GAIN	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Sinn Fein	20,965	41.4	10.4	17,209	30.9
SDLP	12,770	25.2	-12.2	20,784	37.4
DUP	9,311	18.4	-1.0	10,795	19.4
UUP	7,025	13.9	1.6	6,833	12.3
Independent	625	1.2	1.2	-	-
Majority	8,195	16.2		3,575	6.4
Turnout	50,696	70.0	-6.8	55,621	76.8