Background
McCarthy was born in Newtownards and worked as a draper.
McCarthy was born in Newtownards and worked as a draper.
He served as Assembly chief whip for APNI in the Assembly. In 1985 he was first elected to Ards Borough Council. In 1990 he became a Justice of the Peace.
He has stated his appreciation for the Good Friday Agreement on a number of occasions, but believes a more party-aligned/devolved agreement would work more effectively.
McCarthy has stated his strong dislike for Direct Rule, causing a major democratic deficit, and in particular was against the supposedly aggressive style of governing from the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain.
1st Northern Ireland Assembly. 2nd Northern Ireland Assembly. 3rd Northern Ireland Assembly.
4th Northern Ireland Assembly.