UUP Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said: 

“Ian Marshall is an impressive individual and I am delighted that he has decided to join the Ulster Unionist Party.  

“Ian brings a wealth of experience from running a farm, heading up the Ulster Farmers Union and from his time elected to the Irish Seanad. As a Senator he ensured the voice of Northern Irish Unionism was heard and he tempered those who did not understand unionism in general.  

“It took real moral courage to be a lone Unionist voice, but he did so because he believed it was the right thing to do. It is that level of commitment that leads me to believe he will be a progressive voice for the future.  

“Ian will now bring his vast experience to the party and in the coming weeks and months I will look to see where he can be deployed best to advance our vision of a Union of People throughout Northern Ireland.” 

Ian Marshall said: 

“After careful thought and consideration and conversations with Doug I have decided to join the Ulster Unionist Party.  Having served as an Independent Unionist since 2018 I believe the time is right to be part of a larger collective working together as a strong voice for a union of people in Northern Ireland. 

“Northern Ireland is at a critical juncture with events such as Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the lives of many ordinary working people, families, pensioners, and students across the province. These challenges will demand strong leadership from people who are comfortable and secure in their identity and who believe in the principle of mutual respect and parity of esteem in an open, inclusive, progressive manner. 

“It is essential that we move from identity politics to focus on the things that are a priority for most people such as the economy, jobs, healthcare, housing, and good relationships across this island and between the two islands.  

“I see the Ulster Unionist Party under the leadership of Doug Beattie as the organisation to deliver meaningful change, working in cooperation with all partners to drive a culture where all citizens in Northern Ireland, proud of their history and heritage, can thrive and prosper and truly regard this place as home.”