In William McCrea the people of South Antrim found a skilled and articulate public representative who gave an honourable, professional and active constituency service to all those who sought his intervention and counsel.

During his eight, short months in office,William McCrea achieved far more for the people of South Antrim than David Burnside has struggled to emulate in his four years! His relaxed manner, affability and genuine endeavour to work for the good of the ordinary man has earned William a deep rooted respect and trust coveted, but not enjoyed, by others who instead shirked their responsibilities and were attracted away from their constituency duties by the bright lights of London.

The volume of calls that William continues to receive on a daily basis from South Antrim people in need is testimony to the high esteem in which he is held by the local community, and a reflection of the inability of others to mirror his performance. William has always been at the forefront of encouraging and assisting the development of industry, education, health and transport services. He is a vociferous campaigner and a proven and effective champion for local needs.

Throughout his political life,William McCrea has a proven record of holding the line against republicanism and defending the Union in the face of terrorist threat. A member of the DUP negotiating team,William has consistently refused to yield to the IRA's terms and accurately warned of the ploy to develop the republican agenda through the Belfast Agreement. Now, only 18 months since the DUP gained the leadership of unionism, the pan-nationalist front has been smashed, the IRA is under pressure never experienced before by it and the heat is being turned up on the Sinn Fein leadership to condemn all IRA criminal and terrorist activity.

It is vital that South Antrim returns an adept champion and trusted defender of the unionist cause. William McCrea can be trusted not only with the constitutional future of Northern Ireland, but will also deliver positive action on the many issues affecting the daily lives of the people of South Antrim.

Education & Career

- Cookstown Grammar School
- Marietta Bible College, Ohio, USA
- Ordained as a Minister of the Gospel, 1971
- Minister of Calvary Free Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt
- Chairman of Magherafelt District Council, 2001 to present.

Political Career

- Elected to Magherafelt District Council, 1973- present
- Served as Mayor of the Council, 1977-1981
- Elected to NI Assembly, 1982-1986.
- Member of Parliament for Mid-Ulster, 1983-1997.
- Elected to Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue, 1996-1998
- Elected to Northern Ireland Assembly, 1998-2003.
- Elected as Member of Parliament for South Antrim, 2000-2001
- DUP Environment Spokesman 1998-present.

Memberships

- Former Vice-President of Local Authorities in Northern Ireland
- Member of Committee on Procedures.
- Member of Loyal Orange Order
- Royal Black Institution
- Apprentice Boys of Derry.

Interests

- Gospel Recording Artist
- Author of "In His Pathway"