Issue 15 UUP newcomer John McCallister MLA
South Down MLA John McCallister was one of two newcomers to the Ulster Unionist benches at Stormont at the last election. A dairy farmer from Glascar, near the small town of Rathfriland, John is an active member of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster and served as its President from 2003 to 2005. He stood in Banbridge District Council’s Knockiveagh area in the 2005 local government election. Within the Assembly, he is a member of the Health and Regional Development Committees.
How did you get involved in politics?
When I was growing up I always had an interest in politics. Becoming the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster President further grounded my interest. It initiated my involvement in the wider community, through voluntary and agricultural issues, thus enhancing my political skills and ushering me towards the political world.
How do you balance your work on the farm and your political career?
My parents play a huge role here and we also have employed a young man who takes care of all the necessary farming jobs. At present I have very little time to spend on the farm. Usually only in the mornings or at weekends can I find any time to “get my head showered” from all my political work.
What role does the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) play in rural areas?
Its role is vital; it gives young people the opportunity to meet many other young people from across Northern Ireland and also further afield. The YFCU offer exchange trips, within the UK and also worldwide. I have taken part in many of these and I have to say they are excellent. I am still in contact with many of my host families today.
In Rathfriland, my own club, the annual play provides a backbone within the club and the support from the wider community has for many years overwhelmed. With each new year the audience attendance continues to grow.
Can any comparison be made between amateur dramatics and the world of politics?
Yes, there is always a villain or bad guy on stage. This can very often be found in the political world, although I will not mention any names!
What do you enjoy most in your work as an MLA?
Working on constituency matters seems to be the most satisfactory part of my job. My constituents are what matter most to me, and their wants and needs are at the foremost of my work.
As an MLA, there are a number of perks that come as standard with the title. I really enjoy meeting new people and this is definitely a key benefit for me; being able to help them is another plus.
What are the main challenges in your job?
MLA work is very rewarding, but the main challenge for me has to be time. As a new MLA I have enjoyed meeting many people from a variety of different sectors and I hope that I can continue to help anyone who may require my assistance.
Another challenge that I face on a daily basis is traffic. Anyone travelling through Belfast will share my frustration at present, but I think I am beginning to get used to it now.
Can you tell us a bit about your role on the Health and Regional Development Committees? On each committee, what is the issue that is highest on your agenda?
The core responsibility of any committee is to provide advice and assist the Minister for that department. Both the Health Committee and the Regional Development Committee undertake a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role.
At present the main issues for the Regional Development Committee are roads infrastructure and water reform. The issues affecting the Health Committee range from food safety to the Fire Brigade. There is a vast area to cover, and with having a low budget it is proving to be “a task and a half”.
What would you like to achieve by the time of the next election?
Other than losing a bit of weight! In politics there are many aspects, especially those issues that affect our everyday lives, that I would aspire to help to change. My constituents’ worries and issues are at the core of my job, I will continue to work for them, pursuing and lobbying for their concerns.
You are the first MLA from Rathfriland. How has the news gone down in the area? How have you been trying to get local people interested in Stormont?
Very well so far! I have made myself available to my constituents at all times. I have also done a number of tours at Stormont for local groups, such as the Young Farmers. These have proven to be a success and I will continue to be readily available to the needs of my local constituents.
agendaNi - March 2008