Jim Allister (MEP)

After 25 years of poll-topping service in Europe, the challenge facing the DUP in replacing Ian Paisley was considerable.

The surprise selection and return to politics of Jim Allister was fully vindicated when on 10 June 2004 he romped home at the top of the poll with 32% of the vote.

Allister (DUP)            175,761  (32%)

De Brun (SF/IRA)      144,541  (26.3%)

Nicholson (UUP)        91,164  (16.6%)

Morgan (SDLP)          87,559  (15.9%)

Jim Allister had been active in DUP politics in the 1980s, representing North Antrim in the Stormont Assembly (1982 – 1986) when he fulfilled the role of DUP Chief Whip.

In March 2007, Jim Allister resigned from the DUP and proceeded to sit in the European Parliament as an independent. His resignation flowed from a decision by the DUP to enter government with Sinn Fein on 8th May 2007, without, in Mr Allister's view, adequate testing of the veracity of their commitments to exclusively peaceful and democratic means. Mr Allister said that in conscience he could not support the decision and therefore he found it necessary to resign.

Born in County Down in 1953 into a farming family, he studied at Regent House, Newtownards and Queen’s University Belfast, when he first engaged in politics. Having studied law he was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1976.

He left private practice for a time to become Ian Paisley’s Personal Assistant in Europe from 1980 – 82. He therefore had first-hand experience in Europe and of the work of an MEP.

After his service in the Northern Ireland Assembly 1982 – 86 he returned to the Bar to concentrate on his legal career. He built up his practice to the point in 2001 when he was elevated to the Senior Bar, where he has enjoyed a successful career, specialising in criminal law.

Married to Ruth, they have a daughter, Karen, and two sons, Graeme and Philip. They live in the heart of County Antrim, near Ballymena.