James is a graduate in Civil Engineering from the Queen’s University Belfast and a Chartered Member of The Institution of Civil Engineers. Following a period in Government service, he established and ran a company manufacturing and supplying steelwork for building frameworks to the construction industry throughout the British Isles.

James is a keen cyclist and walker.  He  established and leads the Aghadowey Community Walking Group, registered with ‘Walking for Health’, which draws participants from all sectors of the community.