Councillor Henry Cushinan has been appointed as the first Sinn Fein Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, with Councillor Alison Bennington from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) appointed as Deputy Mayor for the incoming year.
Councillor Cushinan was also the first elected Sinn Fein Councillor in legacy Antrim Borough Council in 1985 and was re-elected to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in 2015 and 2019.
Henry is deeply committed to supporting rural communities and preserving cultural heritage in the Dunsilly area, and as the Council’s representative on the Lough Neagh Partnership, he actively supports the economic development of Lough Neagh and its surrounding communities.
Speaking at the Council’s Annual Meeting this evening (Monday 01 June), Councillor Cushinan said;
“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.
“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 Fein 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 the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor, “I would like to thank Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and Councillor Julie Gilmour who have shown exemplary commitment during their term in office”.
Councillor Cushinan will serve as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey until May 2027.
The new Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alison Bennington represents the Glengormley Urban District Electoral Area (DEA) and has served as a Councillor from 2019.
Speaking on her appointment, Councillor Bennington added; “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. 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.”
The AGM also confirmed the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the following Committees who will serve until May 2027:
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
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