PJ is Ballymena’s first Nationalist Mayor

The SDLP Alderman, who has been a councillor for 27 years and served four terms as Deputy Mayor, was clearly delighted by his unanimous election to the position of First Citizen at last night’s (Thursday) annual general meeting in The Braid.

Describing it as an “historic” development for the town, Ald. McAvoy said he was humbled by the honour and that as Mayor he would, as he had in the past, work for all the people of the borough.

DUP Cllr Beth Adger who was elected Deputy Mayor said the decision showed that Ballymena was “moving forward” and said she looked forward to working with Ald. McAvoy in his new role.

Paying tribute to his successor, out-going Mayor Hubert Nicholl said Alderman McAvoy would be a “popular choice” with the people of the borough for the top civic position.

“As out-going Mayor I wish him every success in his year ahead. I think it shows that Ballymena Borough Council have now the confidence to move on and that’s very important,” said Cllr Nicholl.

“PJ is a Ballymena man through and through and would be a very popular choice with the people of the borough, particularly the business people of the town.

“His first love is the people of Ballymena - nobody else deserves this as much as PJ”.