'Silver foxes' quip as Antrim and Newtownabbey's mayor and deputy begin their year in office
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s first Sinn Fein mayor has pledged to represent everyone during his term in office.
Dunsilly Councillor Henry Cushinan was appointed first citizen in a historic ceremony at Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening.
Cllr Cushinan said that he was looking forward to engaging with residents and local businesses and helping rural communities to thrive.
“Supporting economic development and environmental conservation of Lough Neagh and the surrounding communities will be central to my work as first citizen of the borough,” he added.
“I look forward to working constructively with all parties to deliver positive outcomes for our residents and local businesses.”
Cllr Cushinan paid tribute to outgoing mayor Antrim Ulster Unionist Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and deputy mayor Threemilewater Alliance Councillor Julie Gilmour for their “exemplary commitment during their term in office”.
He recalled his political journey from imprisonment in one of the ‘H-Blocks’ to joining Sinn Fein on his release in early 1983. He was the first Sinn Fein councillor to be elected to Antrim Borough Council in 1985.
He paid tribute to former Antrim Unionist mayor the late Jack Allen, whom he said, “went out of his way to treat him as an equal”.
The new mayor has urged younger councillors who have children to “get the right balance between council and family”.
He also paid tribute to his family, friends and fiancee Siobhan, his late parents, late wife Clare and son Emmett.
Speaking at the meeting, Macedon Alliance Councillor Billy Webb MBE congratulated the new mayor saying that he was “very heartened” by what he has said in terms of “working for the community”.
“I look forward to working with you during the last year of mandate,” he added.
Airport Independent Alderman Paul Michael BEM said that since the 1990s, he and Cllr Cushinan have “worked together for the betterment of all in the borough”. In Ald Michael’s role as chair of the Antrim branch of the Royal British Legion, he extended an invitation for him to take part in remembrance commemorations.
Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch offered the new mayor her support and said that she looked forward to seeing him at “many events”.
Glengormley Ulster Unionist Alderman Mark Cosgrove said that the new mayor has had “tremendous personal adversity”.
“I am sure it gives yourself and family great pride to see you hold this position,” he noted.
Airport Sinn Fein Councillor Annemarie Logue said that she has known Henry since she was first elected 20 years ago, describing him as “a constant presence, hard-working and quietly gets on with the job”.
“I know you will represent all the people of this borough with dignity, fairness and commitment,” she stated.
Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill highlighted the “immense privilege” of the mayoral office and as first citizen.
“This is a significant moment for you personally after many years in local government and also represents a significant moment politically for your party and local politics.”
However, he stated that it would “serve as a reminder” to Unionists as the result of “failing to engage at the ballot box”.
He stressed that regardless of politics, councillors have a “collective role during the final year of the mandate to continue to deliver for our ratepayers”.
The new deputy mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Glengormley DUP Councillor Alison Bennington said that she accepted her new role with “great pride and humility”.
She thanked party colleagues, partner Val, family and friends for their support and opportunity to serve residents.
She said that during the next year, she looks forward to championing causes “vital to our future” such as encouraging young people to help them reach their full potential. She also indicated that she wants to “recognise and support” veterans and support initiatives that promote physical and mental health as well as economic growth and regeneration.
She emphasised the importance of attracting investment, supporting local businesses and ensuring town centres “remain vibrant”.
“I look forward to supporting the mayor in the year ahead as we serve the borough together,” she stated.
Ald Cosgrove told the new deputy mayor that she has been a “trailblazer in so many parts of her life”. In particular, he acknowledged her “passionate advocacy” for veterans over the years to ensure they “have a voice”.
Cllr Webb praised her “attention to detail” and offered her congratulations on her new role.
Cllr Lynch said she was “absolutely certain” that the new deputy mayor would “give it her all” and praised her “ideas and commitment”.
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Airport Sinn Fein Councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile said that although the parties are “coming from very different positions”, if there is “mutual respect, they will be off to a great start”.
“We look forward to working more closely alongside you,” she added.
Cllr Bennington quipped that she and the new mayor could be known as the “Silver Foxes”
The outgoing mayor was presented with a past mayor’s medal.
Cllr Kirkpatrick told members that the mayoral role has been “one of the most rewarding experiences of my life”.
“To go down in the history of the borough as the first female mayor is something I am immensely proud of,” she stated.
Cllr Kirkpatrick went on to say she hopes she has encouraged other women and girls to consider a role in public service and politics.
She acknowledged that the work that takes place in the borough’s communities is “truly an inspiration”.
She thanked everyone who contributed in any way to the mayor’s charities British Deaf Association (Northern Ireland), All About Us ASD Teens and the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Hospital.
She also thanked her chaplain, family, husband Gary, her two daughters and departing deputy mayor.
Cllr Kirkpatrick proceeded to thank the residents of Antrim for placing their “trust and confidence” in her, adding that it has been “a privilege to represent Antrim”.
She noted that the incoming mayor comes from “fundamentally opposing views and she stated: “I hope the dignity of this office is preserved and everyone, regardless of background, is represented. What an opportunity and privilege it is to serve as mayor.”
Ald Cosgrove said that Leah is the “working class role model” who “always walks the talk”.
He indicated that she has had to endure online misogyny, stating that they have “picked on the wrong person if they think that will stop you walking the talk”.
Cllr Gilmour stated: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve this borough as deputy mayor over the past 12 months.
“It has been wonderful to meet the people who have been the backbone of the community.
“The mayor has made sure it has been more than I could ever have hoped for. We have been a great team due to her generosity. I have enjoyed my year so much.”
Cllr Webb thanked his party colleague for the “commitment, support and energy” which she brought to the role of deputy mayor.
“You both showed that despite political differences, it is possible to work together for the betterment of the borough.”