Phillip Logan MLA
Phillip Logan was elected as a DUP MLA for North Antrim in 2016 having lived and worked there all his entire life. Logan is a member of both the Committee for Education and the Executive Office Committee.
How did your political career begin?
My interest in politics stems from my passion for serving people. I think politics is a great mechanism for helping people and making their lives better. This role has put me in a position to represent people and I count that as a privilege. I see politics as a very practical way to serve people. As a young person I was interested in politics and I was drawn to the Democratic Unionist Party because it was the party that was delivering for people on the ground in North Antrim and also in the Executive. I helped to establish a local Young Democrats organisation which I’m pleased to say is growing. So, in summary I am passionate about people and got into politics to serve and to give a voice to anyone in need.
Are there any figures whom you regard as being influential?
A man who was influential to me but also on the landscape of Northern Ireland was Dr Paisley. He was a mighty man and left his mark on Northern Ireland. He left this country a better place than he found it, taking tough decisions when they needed to be taken. When speaking to people in North Antrim it is wonderful to hear stories about how Dr Paisley helped them in different ways and there seems to be no end to the amount and range of people he helped. I strive to be like that in this area; to help as many people as I can to the best of my ability.
What challenges have you faced transitioning into your role as an MLA?
Before I became an MLA I worked for a local business in the Ballymena area. Whilst there are skills that I learned in that job that I can apply to my role as an MLA I think transitioning from that sphere to another has been quite challenging. It’s very different, you are constantly on the go from one place to another. No one prepares you for how busy the role is and to be truly effective I think it is good to have as busy a diary as is humanly possible. It is so important to be meeting with organisations and businesses whilst always ensuring that I am always available for constituents to discuss any concerns or issues that they have. That, combined with parliamentary duties and serving on both the Executive Office and Education committees mean that there is really no end to the amount of work you could be doing. It is also a wide ranging remit, I have to ensure that I have the ability to debate issues relating to my local hospital, schools, businesses and organisations. I am determined to have a knowledge of all these entities, the individuals that work in them and the issues that they face so that I am in the best position that I can be to help them.
What is unique about representing North Antrim?
In North Antrim we have a fantastic history, especially politically speaking. This is where the story of the Democratic Unionist Party started. As a DUP MLA for this area you have a great heritage that has gone before so that makes it quite unique. Also in terms of the actual area of North Antrim we have an excellent track record in manufacturing and innovation. We also have some of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Ireland including the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Slemish, beautiful beaches, amazing places to stay, and amazing places to eat. There are too many to name them all individually! You can also find samples of North Antrim all over world, from Bushmills Whiskey to Wrightbus vehicles. North Antrim is a great place and I am so proud to represent this area!
What are your priorities going forward?
Employment is a real focus for me. The unemployment rate in North Antrim has reduced in recent years despite closure of some manufacturing factories in the area. We have been working on that and have just last week announced 150 new jobs in the Ballymena area in a new contract with the Department of Work and Pensions. This is great news and I just want to do all I can to ensure this trend continues. When Northern Ireland is on the map in terms of investment and job creation, which it is, it is my job to make sure North Antrim is considered for any investments and we have a great skills base here and especially a track record in manufacturing. We have some of the best independent retailers in North Antrim and I hope to represent them to the best of my ability. I want to see Northern Ireland moving forward and progressing economically – gaining more foreign direct investment – especially in North Antrim. I would like to see our Department for Education become more streamlined and to see an education system that works for children, parents and teachers alike. In Stormont I intend to be a strong advocate for local businesses and churches but honestly I want to continue to help the various individuals in my constituency when they come to me for help.
What are your interests outside of the political sphere?
I am married to Donna, a local primary school teacher, so spending the rare free time I have with her is a priority. We love to travel and visit different places and see the cultures and taste the food. I enjoy watching various television series and spending time with family. If I have a spare half hour I also like to unwind by playing a bit of Xbox. As a Christian I’m involved in my local church, First Ahoghill Presbyterian.
