Background:
Barry Hetherington grew up in Co. Fermanagh, attending a comprehensive school in the Clogher Valley and after gaining A Levels, studied Computer Science at Queen's University of Belfast (QUB). He joined a Financial Services company on a Trainee Programme and worked his way up to become a qualified Project Manager. Barry worked across the Midlands, London and South East of England before moving to India to manage 3rd Parties across Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi. Upon returning to the U.K., Barry continued in Financial Services moving to Belfast and marrying his wife Dina, in Ballygally in 2012.
Barry returned to India in 2014, this time to Bangalore, where he taught English as a Foreign Language to Engineering Undergraduates before again returning to Financial Services in London a year later, along with the family English Bulldog. Barry, his wife, and first-born daughter, returned to Belfast in 2018, where since, his family has grown with the arrival of a second daughter but unfortunately the loss of the family bulldog in 2023.
He presently manages operational teams within his company's procurment department. Barry is also on the Parents Association for his daughter's Primary School, is an Independent Member of the Belfast and East Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership Boards and enjoys watching football, swimming, and playing Softball.
Barry has always had an interest in Politics, including being on the Student Council at QUB. He joined the Conservative & Unionist Party in Dulwich & West Norwood Association, where as a member, Barry took party in canvassing and action days. He also acted as interim Treasurer. Upon returning to Northern Ireland, Barry was a member, Deputy Chair Political and Chairman of the East Belfast Conservative Association.
Barry organised and promoted events to the membership, including Coffee Mornings, Litter Picks and Supper Nights as well as building the local presence of the Association on Social Media and sending letters to Legacy Media. Upon the creation of the Mutli-Constituency Association, Barry was elected Deputy Chair Membership and is now the Deputy Chair Political.
Barry is passionate about people and a problem solver, determined to ensure that our communities grow on the foundations of a strong economy.
Priorities for Strangford:
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Protecting & growing our fishing industry
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Fighting for access to the IoM waters and getting the right seasonal visas on a net-zero basis to ensure our boats can work & businesses thrive.
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Fighting for infrastructure funding
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Getting the Ballynahinch by-pass built and insuring we have the roads, water and power to build more and better homes for our young people.
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Reinvigorating our high streets & creating job opportunities
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I will work with our Levelling Up department to ensure the area gets its fair share of funds to make our towns better places to work, shop and be.
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Follow:
Barry Hetherington on Facebook
Barry Hetherington via email at barry.hetherington@niconservatives.com