Biography

I was born in Magherafelt on 12 June 1976 and educated at Rainey Endowed Grammar School, Magherafelt.

I am married to Wanita and have three Children Natalia, Lee & Alex.

I was elected to Cookstown District Council in 2001 and am currently the Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee and have previously served as the Chairman of the Council 2007-2008, Vice Chairman of the Council 2005-2006, Chairman of Cookstown District Policing Partnership 2006-2007 as well as chairing other committess.

In March 2007 I was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. During the 2007 - 2011 Assembly Mandate, I sat on the following committees:

The Environment committee

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee

The Public Accounts Committee

The Office of the First Minister & Deputy First Minister Committee

The Regional Development Committee

In July 2011 I was appointed to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Following the Assembly elections in 2011 I was reappointed to sit on the Regional Development Committee and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.