Herbert Kirk

Who was Herbert Kirk?

Herbert Kirk was an Ulster Unionist cabinet minister in Parliament of Northern Ireland.

Born in Belfast, Kirk studied at Queen's University, Belfast before becoming an accountant.

Kirk became active in the Ulster Unionist Party and in 1956 was elected to represent Belfast Windsor in the Parliament of Northern Ireland. In 1962, he became the Minister of Labour and National Insurance, also joining the Privy Council of Northern Ireland. In 1964, he moved to become Minister of Education, and the following year, Minister of Finance.

After the abolition of the Parliament, Kirk was elected in Belfast South to the Northern Ireland Assembly, 1973. He was a supporter of Brian Faulkner, and was re-appointed as Minister of Finance.