DUP remains in charge

The party’s much-vaunted vote management strategy delivered the same return as six years ago, but at the cost of two sitting members and the title of Alderman in two of the three district electoral areas.

Twice former Mayor Patricia McKinney was a high-profile casualty in the Carrick Castle area, while Louise Marsden missed out in Knockagh.

Overall, it’s a case of as you were at Antrim Street with the UUP holding four seats, Alliance three and independents two.

Speaking immediately after the count in the Town Hall on Monday night, Councillor Billy Ashe, leader of the DUP on council, signalled his party’s intention of renewing its controlling pact with the UUP.

Ahead of the Annual General Meeting, expected to be held on Monday 23 May, Mr Ashe invited Ulster Unionists to talks on agreeing the way forward “for the next four years”. (Cont’d 2)

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Eric Ferguson indicated his team’s willingness to talk to anyone of the “same ilk as myself”.

In the absence of Alderman Stewart Dickson MLA, who had left the count centre for a media interview, defeated Alliance town centre candidate Noel Williams expressed the hope that “everyone will work together for the good of Carrickfergus”.

Independent Alderman Jim Brown, who topped the poll in Kilroot, challenged the ruling grouping to extend the offer to work with all 17 members in the chamber.

Newcomers include former journalist Deborah Emerson (DUP), daughter of Alderman May Beattie, community worker Beryl McKnight (UUP) and her party colleagues, political researcher Andy Wilson and businessman John Stewart.