Member for South Down since 1987. Committees: Member, NI Affairs Committee. Political career: Elected to Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998; Chief Whip, SDLP Parliamentary Party since 1998; Chief Whip, SDLP since 1975; Down District Councillor 1973-89; Parliamentary Candidate for South Down 1986 (by-election), 1983 and 1979; Member, South Down Northern Ireland Assembly 1982-86, 1973-74; Member, Northern Ireland Forum 1983-84, Chair 1978, 1976 and 1974; First Chair, SDLP 1970-72. Special political interests: Housing, economy, local government, environment. Profession/Trade: Chartered accountant. Title/Honours/Decorations: FCA. Education: St Patrick's Grammar School; Downpatrick and Belfast College of Technology. Hobbies: Walking, gardening.
b. 3 June 1935, Downpatrick. Married with three children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	16,468	44.6	-6.0	14,787	50.6
SNP	11,089	30	2.7	7,987	27.3
Lib Dem	5,323	14.4	5.4	2,620	9
Conservative	3,062	8.3	-0.8	2,656	9.1
Scot Soc	994	2.7	-1.4	1,192	4.1
Majority	5,379	14.5		6,800	23.3
Turnout	36,936	56.0	1.6	29,242	54.4