James Craig was a Unionist politician from Northern Ireland who was a founder member of, and early leading figure in, the Democratic Unionist Party.
Career
Educated at Larne Grammar School, Craig became a foreman for the Courtaulds company. 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 Democratic Unionist Party in 1971. As a consequence Craig was elected to the 1973 Assembly for North Antrim and was Democratic Unionist Party chief whip.
Membership
1st Northern Ireland Assembly (1973–1974)]
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 1973-1974. He also served as a member of the Northern Ireland Housing Council from 1973-1974.