Ian Parsley
Ian James Parsley is a businessman and former, part-time politician from Northern Ireland. He was the Alliance Party candidate at the 2009 European elections, and served as Deputy Mayor of North Down.
He attracted considerable criticism and caused much controversy by endorsing the Conservatives and Unionists link-up in 2009, but subsequently rejoined the Alliance Party in 2011. He is an outspoken opponent of Brexit.
Background
Although of Northern Irish heritage on his mother's side, Parsley was born in Yorkshire and educated at Merchant Taylors' School and Newcastle University, graduating in Modern Languages.Parsley currently works in public relations and research. He was a Director of Northern Ireland Screen. He was also Chair of the European Movement in Northern Ireland.