My life and political career has been a fascinating journey through the dark years of 'the troubles' and the challenges of the peace process to a more stable and progressive Northern Ireland.

Full statement

During that time I have been witness to much change, both at home and in national politics at Westminster.

As the eldest of five boys and three girls, I grew up in the Mourne area in the south of County Down. A member of the local Presbyterian Church, it was a traditional, rural, home-centred upbringing. Yet as with many Ulstermen and women of my generation, my 'childhood innocence' was shattered by the onset of the 'Troubles'. I remember vividly, almost as if it were yesterday the murder of my cousin Samuel Donaldson, an RUC constable. He was the first policeman to be blown up by the IRA in the 'Troubles'.

Source: http://www.jeffreydonaldson.org/about-jeffrey/biography