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James Anderson Craig (December 1931 – 2 November 1974) was a Northern Irish unionist politician who was a founder member of, and early leading figure in, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Background

Educated at Larne Grammar School, Craig became a foreman for the Courtaulds company. Although outside the establishment of the Ulster Unionist Party, he was nonetheless able to gain local representation as an Independent Unionist, serving as a member of Carrickfergus Borough Council from 1962 onwards, including a spell as deputy mayor from 1973 to 1974. He also served as a member of the Northern Ireland Housing Council from 1973 to 1974.

He attempted to gain election to the Parliament of Northern Ireland for Carrick in the 1969 election but lost to the UUP's Anne Dickson However Craig's profile rose somewhat with the formation of the DUP in 1971. He was a founder member of the party and also sat on its executive until his death, whilst chairing the Carrickfergus branch of the party. As a consequence Craig was elected to the 1973 Assembly for North Antrim and was DUP chief whip.

References

1. Elliott, Sydney; Flackes, William D. (1999). Conflict in Northern Ireland: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 218. ISBN 9780874369892. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
2. ^ W.D. Flackes & S. Elliott, Northern Ireland: A Political Directory 1968–1999, by Sidney Elliott and W. D. Flackes. Blackstaff Press (1999); ISBN 0 8564 0628 7.

• 1931 births
• 1974 deaths
• Members of Carrickfergus Borough Council
• Democratic Unionist Party politicians
• Independent politicians in Northern Ireland
• Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly 1973–1974
• Politicians from County Antrim
• People educated at Larne Grammar School