Ballyclare is new mayor’s ‘second home’

In an interview with this newspaper, Cllr Montgomery, who was co-opted onto the local authority in 2015 before successfully standing for election in 2019, said: “Undoubtedly the biggest challenge is the impact on our residents and businesses from Covid-19. In the wake of that, the epidemic and lockdown has had a dramatic effect on council finances.

“We must navigate our way through the situation, delivering essential services, supporting business and communities, and placing our own organisation on a sustainable financial footing.

“When my party was allocated this year of office under the d’Hondt mechanism back in 2019 no-one could have foreseen this mayoral term would have been as tumultuous.

“But leadership requires us to step forward in difficult times. Already as a council we have had to rapidly change and innovate, and with difficult decisions ahead of us we will need to continue in that vein.

“I want to support our communities and businesses in their recovery, and hopefully see significant progress by the time I will hand over in June 2021.”

Cllr Montgomery, who has worked in the finance area of the Civil Service for 30 years, is a proud Antrim resident with close ties to Newtownabbey.

He explained: “I was born and reared in Antrim town, growing up in the Steeple estate. I’m proud of my roots, and have always resided in the town which has really grown and flourished as a place to live in recent years with great attractions such as Antrim Castle Gardens and the Gateway Centre at Lough Neagh.

“Working in Belfast I travel through Newtownabbey a lot and I’m very fond of the excellent retail offering in Glengormley and the Abbey Centre.

“I wasn’t an elected representative under the legacy councils so I’ve always been used to working on projects that impact across the whole borough.

“Personally, I have many friends in Ballyclare, so I have really fond affinity there too. It’s a bit like my second home.”

One of the key events the first citizen will oversee will be the commemoration of the centenary of the formation of Northern Ireland.

Stating how he hopes the milestone can be enjoyed by residents, Cllr Montgomery said: “The centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland is a momentous occasion and the council will be bringing forward a programme to mark the event.

“I think my role as mayor will be to encourage a broad dialogue that is respectful and engaging towards our historic traditions, but also one that looks to the future and considers what Northern Ireland means as a home for our new communities.”

Cllr Montgomery, who joined the Ulster Unionist Party in 2012, was proud to share the occasion of his appointment to the top position with his siblings.

“Although I’m not married and don’t have any children, my family is still very important to me. I was really proud that my brothers and members of my wider family circle joined me at the Theatre at the Mill for my nomination. Of course, it was tinged with regret that my mum and dad are no longer with us to witness it, but I know they would be very proud.”

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