The TIMES quizzes East Antrim MLAs on their aspirations for 2012

Name: Roy Beggs MLA

How long have you been in the role?

I was first elected to the NI Assembly in 1998.

What do you like best about this activity?

I enjoy helping people by guiding them and by represent their interests when dealing with public and private bodies. Everyone desires to be fairly treated. But politics is also about change. It is about creating better opportunities for all and changing policy and indeed the law which governs our lives. During my time as an Assembly Member, I have valued the Committees on which I have served and helped to hold civil servants and indeed ministers to account when your money is spend.

What’s the hardest aspect?

Politics can be all consuming. With mobile phones and email you are always contactable. It is difficult but vital to ensure some family time remains.

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Against a backdrop of public sector cuts, how can MLAs justify a pay rise?

No one should set their own pay level. Indeed an independent panel have been set up to determine it. The cost of running NI must be reduced not increased. I welcome the reduction in the number of MP’s and indeed the corresponding reduction in the number of MLAs that will be elected in the future as a result of the decisions already taken at Westminster.

Pet project(s)?

I helped to establish Horizon Surestart and continue to service on its committee. Surestart gives additional support to parents and children aged 0-4 in the 4 wards Carrickfergus of greatest need (and 3 other in Larne). I would want all children to get the best possible start to life and their parents to maximise the educational opportunity available.

I am also a member of the Carrickfergus Community Drugs and Alcohol Advisory Group (CCDAAG). When contacted by a constituent whose sister’s life was endangered by the then legal high Mephedrone, I helped her to organise a public meeting in the Town Hall to expose the dangers of the legal highs. I subsequently joined the CCDAAG committee myself. I am pleased to assist in this vital work of educating of the dangers of drug misuse and to support those who have had an addiction and are trying to rebuild their lives.

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Having worked to get Planning permission for the A2 widening scheme at Greenisland, I want to see the road improvement delivered to benefit commuters and local businesses. As a member of the Regional Development Committee., I have become more knowledgeable of NI transport issues. I have highlighted to other committee members that the A2 is one of the most highly congested sections of the key transport corridors. I have also helped to undermine the A5 billion pound scheme to which funding that had been earmarked for the A2 were inappropriately redirected. I will continue the final push for the A2 Greenisland widening scheme until it is rightfully delivered.

Current/future challenges?

The Carrickfergus Health Centre needs urgent renewal given its age and the substantial growth of the local community. I continue to press the minister for a new Carrickfergus Health and Care Centre to meet local needs.

Carrickfergus Council and other public bodies will need to become more efficient given the financial pressures. Public representatives must create the conditions where more private sector jobs will be created and sustained against competition.

How do you relax and get away from the job?

I enjoy walking and cycling. I also help my parents on their farm. I enjoy the outdoors environment and physical activity which contrasts with my normal office and committee activity.

What’s great about Carrickfergus Borough?

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Carrickfergus has a rich history with its iconic Castle and stunning waterfront. It also has wonderful natural sights such as the Woodburn Reservoirs and Blackhead path. But it is the people of Carrickfergus that are its greatest resource. During my time in office I have seen many acts of kindness and much strength of character.

Finally, what would persuade you to climb off the soapbox and choose a different course instead?

I find my role as a MLA satisfying. I endeavour to represent everyone to the best of my ability. My future role as an MLA is rightly in the hands of the public.

(Tomorrow: Stewart Dickson, Alliance, OR see this week’s Carrick Times for all five interviews)