Veteran unionist Jim Wilson to retire from politics
Veteran unionist politician Jim Wilson is to bow out of the Stormont Assembly at the next election, he announced tonight.
The South Antrim MLA revealed he will not be contesting the March 2007 poll in order to spend more time with his family.
At the height of his political career Mr Wilson, 65, was Chief Whip of the UUP's Assembly until he was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2002.
But he said tonight: "I think it is time for me to alter course. Thirty three years in front line politics in Northern Ireland has shaped my way of life.
"There are other things I want to do. I have discussed the matter at length with my family and after careful reflection I have decided that I would like to take life a little easier and spend more time with my wife, my son and daughter and their families including five grandchildren.
"Throughout my political career I have had full support from my family and they support this decision now. I have just celebrated my 65th birthday and that to me seems an ideal time to retire - were I in employment outside of politics I would probably be forced to go."
Mr Wilson, who worked as an apprentice engineer at Harland & Wolff shipyard before joining the Merchant Navy and later setting up a retail grocery business, was appointed general secretary of the UUP in 1987.
He had joined the party in 1976 after an earlier dalliance with the Vanguard Unionist Party.
From 1983 until 1997 he was Chairman of the Ballyclare Ulster Unionist Branch and is the current Vice President of the South Antrim Ulster Unionist Association.
In 1998, following the Good Friday Agreement and the ensuing referendum, he was elected to serve South Antrim in the Stormont Parliament.
Despite deciding to stand down, Mr Wilson pledged to continue supporting the UUP.
He added: "I have worn many hats in my political career and the last nine years as an Assembly Member have been both rewarding and frustrating for me.
"During the short period of devolved government I am convinced that local politicians made a real difference to Northern Ireland and I am disappointed that I was not able to have the same level of influence in the last few years since the Assembly was suspended.
"I sincerely hope that the Assembly will be restored following the upcoming elections.
"It has been a pleasure for me to serve the people of South Antrim as an elected representative. I hope I have executed my duties to the best of my ability and I would like to thank everyone who has shown me support over the years."
