Outgoing Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor thanks residents as year in office draws to close

The Three Mile Water DEA DUP representative was first elected to the local authority in 2019, retaining his seat at last year’s election as he topped the poll with 1,575 first preference votes.

Ahead of the council’s Annual General Meeting on June 3, which will see Antrim Alliance Cllr Neil Kelly appointed Mayor, Cllr Cooper took time to reflect on his tenure, a year in which he experienced a number of highs as well as suffering the loss of his mother.

Detailing how he got involved in politics and his journey to First Citizen, Cllr Cooper explained: “I went into politics to address the issues of underinvestment and the lack of representation in my community. My desire is to be the voice of the voiceless and advocate on their behalf.

"I joined the DUP in 2017, and found a unionist party that I believe represents the ordinary working people which is important to me. I wanted to align myself with a party that shares the people’s values and priorities, especially the Union.

"I didn’t have aspirations of becoming the borough's First Citizen, especially not in my first term, however, when I was re-elected in 2023, topping the poll again with an increased vote, I made the decision to put my name forward for Mayor in 23/24 to show my commitment to serving my community in a leadership role.”

Commenting on the highlights of his time as Mayor, the Monkstown resident said: “The highlights would be presiding over the process of appointing a new chief executive- Mr Richard Baker, presenting our past CEO Mrs Jacqui Dixon with the Freedom of the Borough and meeting five of our residents as they celebrated their 100th birthdays – a phenomenal milestone.

"During my term, I wanted to be fair and balanced, taking no political, party stance. I also wanted to treat all my fellow elected members with respect and dignity, no matter their views.”

Cllr Cooper’s mother passed away during his term. After promising her that he would keep on serving the people of the borough, he continued on with Mayoral duties in the days following her passing.

Cllr Cooper stated: “My mum sadly passed away on November 4 at the age of 63. Mum was due a liver transplant and was listed, but unfortunately it just wasn’t meant to be.

"My mum was so proud of me, her only son, being elected as Mayor. Thankfully, my mum got to see me carrying out my some of duties as Mayor.

"Days before her passing, mum made me promise that I was to carry on as Mayor and not take any time off. My mum’s words to me where; ‘When people put their trust in you, you must fulfil your duties and carry on.’

"I would like to thank the people of Antrim and Newtownabbey for their kindness and support during my tenure. Our borough is a great place to live , full of vibrancy and inclusivity. It is therefore important that we prioritise the well-being and needs of all our residents and look after one another.”