Historic first as Sinn Féin takes mayoral chain in Antrim and Newtownabbey

New Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Sinn Féin Councillor Henry Cushinan

A political milestone has been marked in Antrim and Newtownabbey after Councillor Henry Cushinan was officially appointed as the borough’s first Sinn Féin Mayor.

The historic appointment was confirmed during the council’s Annual Meeting on Monday evening, June 1, marking the first time Sinn Féin has held the mayoral chain in the borough since local government reorganisation created Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in 2015.

Councillor Alison Bennington of the DUP was also appointed as the incoming Deputy Mayor for the year ahead.

The appointment carries additional historical significance for Councillor Cushinan, who was also the first Sinn Féin councillor elected to the former Antrim Borough Council back in 1985.

He was later re-elected to the new Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in both 2015 and 2019.

New mayor sets out priorities for borough

Speaking after his appointment, Councillor Cushinan said he intended to focus on supporting residents, local businesses and rural communities during his year in office.

“It is a great privilege to be elected as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey. I look forward to engaging with the residents of our Borough, supporting local businesses, and helping our rural communities to thrive,” he said.

“Supporting economic development and environmental conservation of Lough Neagh and the surrounding communities will be central to my work as First Citizen of the Borough.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to my colleagues in the Sinn Féin Party for their support, and I look forward to working constructively with all parties to deliver positive outcomes for our residents and local businesses.”

Councillor Cushinan also paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick and Deputy Mayor Julie Gilmour for their service over the past year.

“I would like to thank Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and Councillor Julie Gilmour who have shown exemplary commitment during their term in office,” he added.

He will now serve as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey until May 2027.

Deputy mayor pledges support for grassroots communities

New Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, DUP Councillor Alison Bennington

The new Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alison Bennington, represents the Glengormley Urban District Electoral Area and has served on the council since 2019.

Following her appointment, she said she hoped to use the role to support local organisations and strengthen community connections across the borough.

“I would like to thank my colleagues in the Democratic Unionist Party, I am absolutely delighted to be named as Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey,” she said.

“I look forward to using this role to champion grassroots community work across our Borough, supporting those driving positive change from the ground up.

“I will also continue to represent the Council through the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) to help build stronger, more connected communities.”

New committee leadership confirmed

The council’s AGM also confirmed the new committee chairs and vice-chairs who will serve until May 2027 across the borough’s main decision-making committees.

The appointments are as follows:

• Audit and Risk

Chair: Councillor Stewart Wilson

Vice-Chair: Councillor Andrew McAuley

• Community Development

Chair: Councillor Helen Magill

Vice-Chair: Councillor Annie O’Lone

• Economic Development

Chair: Alderman Mathew Magill

Vice-Chair: Councillor Ben Mallon

• Operations

Chair: Councillor Eamon McLaughlin

Vice-Chair: Alderman Linda Clarke

• Planning

Chair: Alderman Lewis Boyle

Vice-Chair: Councillor Sam Flanagan

• Policy and Governance

Chair: Alderman Paula Bradley

Vice-Chair: Councillor Stephen Cosgrove

The appointments formally set the political leadership structure for the borough for the coming civic year, with the new mayor and committee teams expected to oversee key decisions affecting local services, planning, economic development and community investment across Antrim and Newtownabbey.