David Hilditch your local East Antrim MLA was born in Larne in July 1963 and was educated at Carrickfergus Grammar School.  After leaving school he began work in the building and construction industry, he then went on to work in Royal Mail.

David entered local Government in 1991, winning the local by-election for the Castle district electoral area.  He served as Deputy Mayor from 1994 to 1996.  In 1997 he was elected to Mayor until 1998 and then served as Mayor from 2004 to June 2008.  He has been a leading figure in the campaign for the £8 miliion refurbishment of the Carrickfergus Leisure Centre and supports the ongoing regeneration schemes for the east Antrim area.

He was first elected as an MLA in 1998 and is currently the Vice Chair of the Social Development Committee, he is a member of the Employment and Learning Committee and also sits on the Standards and Privileges Committee. 

David is

• Director of Carrickfergus Development Company
• Director of the Causeway Coast and Glens Regional Tourism Partnership
• Forum Member of Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau Regional Toursim Partnership
• Executive member of the Walled Towns Friendship Circle

David has a keen interest in sports and in particular promoting sports to young people.  David has been the Director of Carrick Rangers Football Club since 2000 and is the founder of Carrickfergus Youth Development Centre.

David has a Royal Ulster Constabulary Commendation - following a Post Office robbery in Carrickfergus.  He works closely with the local community groups, associations and sports clubs.  He is the secretary for LOL No.787 and Registrar RBP No.17