James Craig (County Antrim, 20th century)
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2014) |
James Craig (1931 2 November 1974) was a Unionist politician from Northern Ireland who was a founder member of, and early leading figure in, the Democratic Unionist Party.
Educated at Larne Grammar School, Craig became a foreman for the Courtaulds company.[1] 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 1973-4.[1] He also served as a member of the Northern Ireland Housing Council from 1973-74.[1]
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[1] 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.[1] As a consequence Craig was elected to the 1973 Assembly for North Antrim and was DUP chief whip.[1]