Belfast Woodvale (Northern Ireland Parliament constituency)

Belfast Woodvale was a constituency of the Parliament of Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1972. It was one of four constituencies within the Belfast City boundary.

Boundaries and Composition:

The constituency was primarily located in the Woodvale area of West Belfast. Its boundaries were subject to some minor adjustments over the years, but generally encompassed a working-class Protestant area. It was primarily a residential area, with a strong industrial presence.

Political History:

Belfast Woodvale was consistently a unionist stronghold. Throughout its history, it was predominantly represented by Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) members. Due to the demographic makeup of the area, nationalist or republican parties rarely contested the seat seriously. Electoral contests typically occurred within the unionist community, often between different strands of unionism or independent unionist candidates. The strength of unionist identity within the constituency ensured it remained a reliable seat for the UUP for the duration of its existence.

Members of Parliament:

• 1921-1929: Robert J. McKeown (UUP)
• 1929-1945: Samuel McGuffin (UUP)
• 1945-1969: Robert Harcourt (UUP)
• 1969-1972: John McQuade (UUP)

Abolition:

The Belfast Woodvale constituency was abolished in 1972 under the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972, which reorganised local government and electoral boundaries in Northern Ireland. The area formerly covered by the constituency was subsequently incorporated into larger electoral divisions.