Seán Neeson: 1946-2025
Affectionately known as “Mr Carrickfergus”, the former Alliance Party leader died aged 79 in June 2025.
Neeson served as leader of Alliance between 1998 and 2001 following the resignation of John Alderdice.
His 34-year political career began in 1977 and ended when he stood down prior to the 2011 Assembly election.
It was his earlier career as a teacher that would inspire a political career.
A staunch believer in devolution, he previously described his sorrow after the collapse of the Sunningdale Agreement. Speaking to agendaNi in 2010, he recalled: “My classroom overlooked the entrance to Larne Lough. I remember in May 1974 looking out across the lough to Ballylumford Power Station and seeing the smoke coming out of the chimney stacks. This signified the end of the UWC strike and the fall of the power-sharing Executive.
“That was one of the most disappointing days of my life.”
Entering politics with his election to Carrickfergus Borough Council in 1977, Neeson first ventured to Stormont in 1982 after being elected to the ‘Prior Assembly’ as an MLA for East Antrim, serving as Deputy Speaker.
When the assembly collapsed in 1986, he turned to business, founding Neeson Marketing Enterprises but remained interested in politics.
He was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1996 and became involved in negotiations that ultimately led to the Good Friday Agreement and the restoration of devolution.
Neeson became Alliance party leader in 1998 after the resignation of David Alderdice following the latter’s appointment as speaker of the assembly.
In 1999, he faced pressure from then-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Mandelson, to redesignate Alliance as ‘unionist’ to enable full powers to be devolved. Declassified documents revealed that Neeson said it was “impossible for Alliance members to change their designation”.
In 2001, after an attempt at a controversial pact with the Ulster Unionists in East Belfast failed to materialise, the party withdrew from five constituencies in favour of pro-Agreement Ulster Unionist and SDLP candidates.
After losing seats in local council elections held on the same day, his deputy, Seamus Close, stood down, and Neeson resigned in late-2001, being succeeded by David Ford.
Post-leadership, Neeson remained an East Antrim MLA until 2011 and was a councillor in Carrickfergus until 2013. His 36-year reign makes him the longest-serving councillor in the town’s history.
After retiring from politics, Neeson joined the UK National Historic Ships Council, representing Northern Ireland. He had previously served on its committee. In this role, he advised the UK Government and heritage bodies on preserving historic vessels across the UK and was actively involved with projects including HMS Caroline, Result, and Nomadic.
Paying tribute, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long MLA says: “Seán showed leadership at a time when the party needed it, and we will always be grateful to him for that.
“Known for getting things done, Seán was a dedicated public servant who delivered for everyone in Carrickfergus as a councillor and then the wider East Antrim area when he became an MLA, a role he was delighted to take on.”
DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP says: “Seán was a strong voice for his constituents and as a political leader he was a passionate advocate for the beliefs and principles that guided him. His respectful approach earned him recognition across the political spectrum.”
Former Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken says: “For many, including quite a few in my family, he will always be Mr Carrick.”
Neeson is survived by his widow Carol and their four children.
