Denis Watson is a former Northern Irish unionist politician who was a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Upper Bann from 1998 to 2003.
Denis Watson | |
|---|---|
| Leader of the United Unionist Coalition | |
| In office 1998–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Office created |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann | |
| In office 25 June 1998 – 26 November 2003 | |
| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Moutray |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party (2000 - present) Independent Unionist (1998 - 2000) |
| Other political affiliations | United Unionist Coalition (1998 - 2012) |
| Spouse | Gail |
| Profession | Financial Consultant |
Watson worked as a financial consultant and became the Grand Master of the County Armagh Orange Lodge.[1] He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 as an independent Unionist representing Upper Bann. With two other anti-agreement Unionists, he formed the United Unionist Coalition, and was registered as its leader.
In 2000, Watson joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), but as late as 2006[update] he remains the officially registered leader of the United Unionist Coalition.[2] In 2001, he failed to be elected as a DUP candidate for Craigavon Borough Council.[3] He also failed to retain his Assembly seat in 2003. As of November 2012 he remains County Grand Master of County Armagh.[4]
References edit
- ^ "BBC NI - Learning - A State Apart - Governance - Support Article (3aa)". Bbc.co.uk. 26 September 2000. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ^ "The Electoral Commission : Regulatory issues : Political parties : Registers : Register of political parties". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 27 March 2007.
- ^ Dr Nicholas Whyte. "Craigavon Borough Council, 1993 - 2011". Ark.ac.uk. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ^ Colin McCusker [@CCMcCusker123] (3 November 2012). "County Grand Master Denis Watson JP reminds the gathering that tomorrow is King William III 's birthday" (Tweet) – via Twitter.