Proud Finlay makes history

DUP Ballymoney mayor John Finlay made history when he became the first councillor elected to the new Causeway Coast and Glens Council.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th May 2014, 11:43 BST
John Finlay, from Ballymoney who topped the poll in the local elections INCR22-143MJJohn Finlay, from Ballymoney who topped the poll in the local elections INCR22-143MJ
John Finlay, from Ballymoney who topped the poll in the local elections INCR22-143MJ

In a turnout of 8,247 (49.67%) in Ballymoney, councillor Finlay polled 1,075 first preference votes, beating the quota by 46 votes.

A beaming councillor Finlay said he was “thrilled and honoured” with the result.

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“I’m humbled that the people of Ballymoney have put their faith in me again. It is a tremendous pleasure to top the poll.”

Sinn Fein’s Philip McGuigan, who came second in the poll with 941 votes, had mixed feelings with the result.

He told the Times: “I’m delighted to be re-elected again but bitterly disappointed for Leanne Peacock as obviously we wanted two Sinn Fein seats.

“But the job of work begins now for SF candidates to represent all the people in the Causeway Coast and Glens.

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“I’m hoping to use the new planning powers to make a difference in people’s lives.

“The people from Dunloy, Rasharkin and Loughiel probably never felt much allegiance to Ballymoney Council but we will be working to make sure that is not the case in this new Council.”

Counting went late into the night for Ballymoney and after the DUP’s Ian Stevenson was elected a late recount resulted in the election of two UUP councillors,
 Tom McKeown and Darryl Wilson and the DUP’s Alan McLean.

The DUP’s Jonathan Wallace was unsuccessful.

Related topics:DUPCauseway CoastCouncilSinn Fein