Denis Watson | |
---|---|
Leader of the United Unionist Coalition | |
In office 1998–2012 | |
Preceded by | Office created |
Succeeded by | Office abolished |
Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann | |
In office 25 June 1998 –26 November 2003 | |
Preceded by | New Creation |
Succeeded by | Stephen Moutray |
Personal details | |
Nationality | British |
Political party | Democratic Unionist Party (2000 - present) Independent Unionist (1998 - 2000) |
Other political affiliations | United Unionist Coalition (1998 - 2012) |
Spouse | Gail |
Profession | Financial Consultant |
Denis Watson is a former Northern Irish unionist politician who was a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Upper Bann from 1998 to 2003.
Watson worked as a financial consultant and became the Grand Master of the County Armagh Orange Lodge. [1] He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 as an independent Unionist representing Upper Bann. With two other anti-agreement Unionists,he formed the United Unionist Coalition,and was registered as its leader.
In 2000,Watson joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP),but as late as 2006 [update] he remains the officially registered leader of the United Unionist Coalition. [2] In 2001,he failed to be elected as a DUP candidate for Craigavon Borough Council. [3] He also failed to retain his Assembly seat in 2003. As of November 2012 he remains County Grand Master of County Armagh. [4]
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