Causeway Coast and Glens TUV has selected William Craig to stand alongside sitting councillor Allister Kyle in the Causeway DEA at the 2027 council election, saying it hopes to secure a second seat in the area.
Mr Craig, who was born and raised in Ballybogey, is the latest candidate announced as the party prepares for the elections. He said he wanted to represent residents, businesses, farmers and families across the district.
“I am putting myself forward for the TUV because I want to stand for everyone across the Causeway DEA, for our farmers, our small businesses, our families and our local people who need help, support or simply someone prepared to listen and speak up for them”.
“I also look forward to working closely with Councillor Allister Kyle, both on the campaign trail and, should I be successful in being elected, working alongside him to make sure the people of the Causeway DEA have another strong and effective TUV voice on the council”.
Mr Craig was educated at Kilmoyle Primary School, Ballymoney Secondary School and Ballymoney Technical College. He later completed a joinery apprenticeship with Kennedys of Macosquin before becoming self-employed.
He has been involved in local community and band life, playing trombone in his school orchestra and taking part in Benvardin, Blaugh, UPB, Pride of the Bann and Freeman flute bands. He served for 22 years in the UDR, initially part-time and then full-time from 1978, reaching the rank of Company Sergeant Major. After serving in the UDR and Royal Irish, he volunteered with the Army Cadet Force.
Mr Craig grew up in Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church and now attends Killowen Parish Church, where he served as caretaker and on the Select Vestry until December 2025. He is a past master of Killowen LOL 930 and a member of Coleraine Knights of the Bann RBP 37.
Mr Kyle has represented Causeway DEA since his election in May 2023. An electrical contractor who also runs his family farm outside Portrush, he was educated at Carnalridge Primary and Dunluce School.
The party said Mr Kyle had spoken on issues affecting farming and urban communities, including HMOs and the allocation of council resources. It said the two candidates would offer voters a choice of local representatives.
TUV leader Jim Allister said the Causeway DEA’s position across the East Londonderry and North Antrim constituencies made it significant for the party’s election campaign.
“As TUV continues to grow across East Londonderry and North Antrim it is fitting that in the council area, Causeway DEA, that straddles both constituencies we will offer two council candidates next May”.
“Cllr Allister Kyle comes with the proven track record of delivery. In the last 4 years he has served the area, both urban and rural, with vigour and effect. We can now strengthen that work by returning a second TUV councillor – another local man, William Craig”.
“It’s not just on the constitutional issues and against Sinn Fein aggression that TUV is strong, but also on hard work on the ground. In Allister Kyle and William Craig we offer exactly that”.
