McKeown takes council seat for Sinn Fein

Coast Road councillor Oliver McMullan tendered his resignation from the local authority to focus on his role as an East Antrim MLA. Now chief electoral officer Graham Shields has announced that Mr McMullan’s nominated replacement, Carnlough man James McKeown, has been returned to fill the vacancy.

At his first committee meeting, Cllr McKeown was welcomed to the chamber by DUP mayor, Cllr Bobby McKee.

At the start of the meeting, the veteran councillor said: “I think it would be appropriate for me as mayor to welcome our new friend. I look forward to working and cooperating with you in the future.”

Chairman of the Development Committee, Cllr Michael Lynch, also extended a greeting to the new member.

Cllr McKeown responded: “I very much appreciate the welcome and feel we can work well together.”