Thomas Carson (politician)

Born in Ballybay in County Monaghan, Carson studied at Clones High School, Campbell College and Queen's University Belfast. He worked as a medical doctor before retiring in the early 1970s.^[1] In retirement, he became politically active, as vice-chairman of the South Armagh Unionist Association in 1971/2, and then President in 1972/3.^[1]

In 1973, Carson resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party to join the Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party, and immediately elected in the 1973 Northern Ireland Assembly election for Armagh.^[2] Following his election, he joined the Armagh County Executive of Vanguard, and also became a member of the Monday Club and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.^[1]

Carson held his Armagh seat on the Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention in 1975.^[2] Outside politics, he spent his time gardening and birdwatching.^[1]