David was born and raised in Coleraine. He entered politics in 1989 when he was elected to Coleraine Borough Council; and where he served as Mayor from 1993 – 1995. David is currently the Ulster Unionist Assembly Chief Whip.
In the last functioning Assembly David served on the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee and the Environment Committee. He worked tirelessly on these committees to promote the needs of the people in East Londonderry, especially on the investment and jobs front.
David has a vested interest in education. At present he sits on the board of governors at Christie Primary School in Coleraine and Coleraine Academical Institution. Keenly interested in the Arts, he is a member of Ballywillan Drama Group and has regularly appeared in local amateur theatrical productions. His other interests include football, reading and music.
Over the last nine years he has established himself as one of the hardest working Assembly members in Northern Ireland. He has been a consistently strong Unionist voice for East Londonderry. Along with his other Ulster Unionist colleagues he has helped in providing a sound and effective constituency service, with offices in both Coleraine and Limavady.
Upon the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland, David was elected Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. He was also appointed to the Committee overseeing the Department of Employement and Learning.
