Antrim and Newtownabbey: Lord Lieutenant's role on volunteering awards panel queried before first Sinn Fein mayor takes office
Sinn Fein has questioned the involvement of His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim in membership of the assessment panel for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Spirit of Volunteering Awards.
The awards take place once in each council term to “highlight and recognise the valuable commitment of those who volunteer their time within the borough”, a report presented to a recent Community Development Committee said.
It is proposed that membership of this year’s assessment panel should include the incoming mayor and deputy mayor; incoming chair and vice-chair of the Community Development Committee; Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, David McCorkell; chief executive of Volunteer Now, Denise Hayword and council officers.
A Sinn Fein councillor will be appointed mayor at the council’s AGM for the first time in the history of the borough and its legacy councils.
Speaking at the meeting, Dunsilly Sinn Fein Councillor Annie O’Lone asked for clarification over the involvement of the Lord Lieutenant in the panel.
Ursula Fay, director of community and culture, explained for many years the council has presented awards to give the “highest recognition” to volunteers.
“We believe the Lord Lieutenant is a valuable inclusion in our assessment panel,” the director maintained.
Airport Sinn Fein Councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile said: “I am just nervous and anxious that the perception of the scheme favours or is being seen to favour one tradition over another in the borough. I would want it to be as inclusive visibly as possible.”
She went on to say a direct appointment by the Monarch may be “perceived as being more geared towards one section of our community”.
Cllr Ní Chonghaile asked for the panel to progress without involvement of the Lord Lieutenant.
The director said the panel would be chaired by a Sinn Fein mayor. She stressed the Lord Lieutenant would be “very much championing volunteers in all sections of society” and he “makes a valuable input to that panel”.
Cllr Ní Chonghaile continued: “I think there is a good balance from across the political divide but I think the inclusion of the Lord Lieutenant tips the balance.”
Deputy mayor Threemilewater Alliance Councillor Julie Gilmour stated: “As someone who will be sitting on the assessment panel, the Lord Lieutenant’s contribution is valuable and unbiased.
“There is no evidence from the last volunteer winners that would have been perceived to have come from one side of the community.”
Cllr Gilmour went on to say she would be “happy to second” the recommendation to the committee that the proposed membership of the assessment panel for the 2026 Spirit of Volunteering Awards, that was proposed by Ballyclare Ulster Unionist Councillor Vera McWilliam, be approved.
Threemilewater DUP Alderman Stephen Ross said: “The Lord Lieutenant has shown nothing but respect for all sides of this community.
“I would look to see where each community group is from,” he suggested. “Most people are more than happy to be there.”
Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM commented: “Let us not forget the volunteers. It is about them. Anybody can nominate anybody they feel should be put forward for an award.
“When you see the breakdown of those put forward, they will be merited on each individual or group regardless of where they come from.”
The 2026 awards will take place on September 30.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter