Eric Smyth was first elected to Belfast City Council in 1981, representing the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He served on council until his retirement from the post in 2004. During Smyth's term as Lord Mayor he welcomed Bill Clinton, then President of the USA, to Belfast City Hall.

Smyth was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1996, representing the DUP. He resigned from the DUP in 2005.

Smyth is the founder and minister of the Jesus Saves Mission Church, Limestone Road.