Council’s new DUP councillor is revealed

Mr Frew, who stepped down as a Ballymena Borough Councillor on Monday, welcomed the decision by his party officers which was made public on Thursday.

He said: “I have known William for a long time and I am delighted that he will be taking over from me in the council. I have no doubt he will serve the good people of the Braid with all his might and skill sets.

“He is a very positive hard working person and knows the people of the Braid and the pressures of the area very well. He is very well placed to move the Braid and Ballymena forward in the new Council set up when it finally comes,” said Mr Frew.

Cllr. McCaughey responded: “I want to thank Paul for the hard work that he has put into the Braid area. He will be an extremely hard act to follow and his track record over the past eight years has been one of great dedication to the borough.

“I am looking forward to working with him and my fellow DUP councillors in facing the challenges ahead as the council combines with both Larne and Carrickfergus.

“Having watched the DUP Council team in action over the past number of years, I have been very impressed with the way that they work together at these meetings in the best interests of all the people of the borough,” said Mr McCaughey.

“There are many aspects to council work and I will be calling on Paul a lot in his role as MLA for the area. It is clear to see also the vast array and wealth of experience within the DUP councillor group and that advice and support will be valuable to me moving forward as I commence my Council post.”

Originally from Broughshane and a farming background, Mr McCaughey has lived and worked in and around the Braid all his life.

He started his working career as an apprentice in Gallaher Ltd and spent 22 years with the company before moving from engineering to management and has, since 2004, managed the family business based in Kells & Connor where he has lived with his family since 1992.