John Blair selected as Alliance candidate for South Antrim in 2027 Assembly election
John Blair MLA has been selected to represent the Alliance Party in South Antrim at the next Northern Ireland Assembly election, scheduled for Thursday 6 May 2027.
The sitting MLA, who has represented the constituency since 2018, will seek re-election with a campaign focused on the cost of living, health services, rural communities, animal welfare and environmental protection.
Mr Blair said he was honoured to have been selected again and described representing South Antrim over the past eight years as a privilege.
John Blair confirms South Antrim Assembly candidacy
Announcing his selection, Mr Blair said he was proud of his record representing the constituency and would continue to campaign on issues affecting local residents.
“I am honoured to have been re-selected as Alliance’s candidate in South Antrim for the 2027 Assembly election,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to represent this constituency, and I am proud to have served as its sole cross-community MLA for the last eight years.”
Mr Blair said his campaign would focus on addressing everyday concerns, including household finances, access to healthcare and improvements to public services.
He also criticised what he described as political divisions that had prevented progress on issues affecting communities.
Cost of living and healthcare among campaign priorities
The Alliance MLA identified reducing the financial pressures facing working families as one of his main priorities ahead of the election.
He also highlighted lengthy healthcare waiting lists and the need for improvements to public services.
Mr Blair argued that political attention should be directed towards practical issues affecting households rather than disagreements between parties.
He said the forthcoming election would provide voters with an opportunity to consider different approaches to tackling those challenges.
The comments form part of Alliance’s election campaign message and reflect the priorities Mr Blair intends to put before voters in South Antrim.
Rural communities and environmental protection highlighted
Mr Blair also identified improved facilities for rural communities, stronger animal welfare protections and environmental issues as key areas of focus.
He has previously served as Alliance’s spokesperson for agriculture, environment and rural affairs and has been involved in Assembly scrutiny of policies affecting those sectors.
Protection of Lough Neagh is another issue he intends to highlight during the election campaign.
The lough and its surrounding environment have been the subject of ongoing public concern, including issues relating to water quality and environmental management.
Mr Blair said environmental protection should remain a priority for future generations alongside economic and social concerns.
John Blair has represented South Antrim since 2018
Mr Blair first entered the Northern Ireland Assembly in July 2018, replacing former Alliance leader David Ford as an MLA for South Antrim.
He subsequently retained his seat at the May 2022 Assembly election.
Before joining the Assembly, he served in local government, including as a councillor in Newtownabbey and later Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
He currently serves as a Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and has been involved in committee work relating to agriculture, the environment and public accountability.
His selection means he will seek another term representing South Antrim when voters go to the polls in May 2027.
Northern Ireland Assembly election scheduled for May 2027
The next Northern Ireland Assembly election is scheduled for Thursday 6 May 2027.
South Antrim is a five-member constituency, with voters electing representatives using the single transferable vote system.
Political parties are continuing to announce candidates ahead of the election, with further selections expected as campaigning develops.
Mr Blair’s selection confirms that the sitting Alliance MLA intends to defend his Assembly seat, with the party outlining household costs, healthcare, rural services and environmental protection as central themes of his campaign.
External link: Alliance Party — John Blair selected as South Antrim Assembly candidate, 22 October 2026
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