Beggs prepares to retire after 41 years on Larne Council

Veteran Ulster Unionist representative Alderman Roy Beggs, who has served on Larne Borough Council for 41 years, is presented with a retirement clock by Mayor Maureen Morrow. Ald Beggs has announced he will not be contesting the election for the new Mid and East Antrim Council on May 22. INLT 14-686-CON

Ald Beggs, who has served on Larne Borough Council since its formation, plans to step down when the authority ceases to exist in May, 2015. He commended the three local UUP candidates seeking election to the Mid and East Antrim super council - mayor Maureen Morrow, former mayor Andrew Wilson and former deputy mayor, Mark McKinty.

“When elected, through your support, Larne will be well represented in the future by these candidates,” Ald Beggs told the electorate.

He added: “It has been a real privilege for me to have been elected to Larne Borough Council in 1973 and to have had the continuous support of the electorate in Larne borough since the council was formed. I also want to thank all the voters, whose faithful support over the years has enabled me to represent Larne borough, especially on the North Eastern Education and Library Board, the north east rural development local action group and LEDCOM, which has become one of the most successful local economic development companies in mid and east Antrim.”

Ald Beggs revealed that Education Minister John O’Dowd has asked him to continue serving on the NEELB until March 31, 2015.

Reflecting on his council career, the former MP and mayor said: “I love Larne borough and its people and I will continue to do what is best for the borough and Northern Ireland, even after my term of office ends.”