Sinn Fein Councillor Henry Cushinan speaks of 'great privilege' at becoming Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

Councillor Henry Cushinan was appointed at the council’s annual general meeting on Monday evening with Councillor Alison Bennington from the DUP becoming deputy mayor for the incoming year.

Cllr Cushinan was also made history in 1985 when he became the first elected Sinn Fein councillor in the legacy Antrim Borough Council. He was re-elected to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in 2015 and 2019.

He said he is deeply committed to supporting rural communities and preserving cultural heritage in the Dunsilly area, and as the council’s representative on the Lough Neagh Partnership, he actively supports the economic development of Lough Neagh and its surrounding communities.

Cllr Cushinan described it as “a great privilege” to be elected as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey.

"I look forward to engaging with the residents of our borough, supporting local businesses, and helping our rural communities to thrive,” he said.

"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.

"I want to express my sincere appreciation to my colleagues in the Sinn Fein party for their support, and I look forward to working constructively with all parties to deliver positive outcomes for our residents and local businesses.”

Cllr Cushinan also paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

“I would like to thank Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and Councillor Julie Gilmour who have shown exemplary commitment during their term in office,” he added.

Cllr Cushinan will serve as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey until May 2027.

The new Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alison Bennington represents the Glengormley Urban District Electoral Area (DEA) and has served as a councillor from 2019.

Speaking on her appointment, Cllr Bennington said: “I would like to thank my colleagues in the Democratic Unionist Party, I am absolutely delighted to be named as Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey.

"I look forward to using this role to champion grassroots community work across our borough, supporting those driving positive change from the ground up. I will also continue to represent the council through the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) to help build stronger, more connected communities.”

The AGM also confirmed the new chair and vice-chair of the following committees who will serve until May 2027:

Audit and Risk

Chair: Councillor Stewart Wilson; vice-chair: Councillor Andrew McAuley.

Community Development

Chair: Councillor Helen Magill; vice-chair: Councillor Annie O’Lone.

Economic Development

Chair: Alderman Mathew Magill; vice-chair: Councillor Ben Mallon.

Operations

Chair: Councillor Eamon McLaughlin; vice-chair: Alderman Linda Clarke.

Planning

Chair: Alderman Lewis Boyle; vice-chair: Councillor Sam Flanagan.

Policy and Governance

Chair: Alderman Paula Bradley; vice-chair: Councillor Stephen Cosgrove.