Julie Middleton says new Foyle MLA role a ‘privilege’ as she takes Stormont seat
Julie Middleton has described it as a privilege to have been co-opted by the DUP to serve as MLA for Foyle after signing the roll of membership at Stormont.
“Having worked on behalf of local communities as a councillor, I am ready to build on that experience and represent the people of Foyle in the Assembly.
"As the sole unionist MLA in Foyle, I will unashamedly be standing up for those who want to make Northern Ireland work and challenging those who seek to rewrite our history and undermine Northern Ireland’s very existence.
“I am ready to get to work and to be a strong voice for Foyle,” she said.
The outgoing DUP Alderman for the Faughan District Electoral Area (DEA) signed the Assembly undertaking and entered her designation as unionist MLA in the presence of the Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots and Clerk and Chief Executive Lesley Hogg on Monday morning.
Mr. Poots said: “She has now taken her seat. I welcome her to the Assembly and wish her every success.”
Her new colleagues at Stormont joined Mr. Poots.
Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald said she wished ‘Julie Middleton the very best in her new role’.
DUP MLA Philip Brett said: “Can I congratulate Julie Middleton on her elevation to this place and, for elements of the media, her name is Julie Middleton regardless of who she may or may not be married to and the media would not report one's marital status had it been a man but that is another point for another day?”
Principal Deputy Speaker Carál Ní Chuilín said: “I want to wish Julie all the very best. It is great to see another woman in the Assembly. The more the merrier.”
Outside the Assembly Chamber the DUP leader and East Belfast MP said: “Julie Middleton brings proven experience, energy and a strong record of service to her new role as MLA for Foyle.
“She has already demonstrated her ability to represent constituents effectively at council level and I have no doubt she will continue that work in the Assembly.
“Julie is ready to hit the ground running and will be a strong and committed voice for the people of Foyle.
“I wish her every success as she takes up this important role.”