Super-council change ends need for ceremonial sword

Some of Carrick’s most historic symbols of office will become “redundant” under the new super-council arrangement, a former mayor has claimed.

TUV candidate Ken McFall said he will be “saddened” at the loss of Carrickfergus Borough status as the authority merges with Ballymena and Larne to become Mid and East Antrim District Council.

“A new super-council concept will rob Carrickfergus of this status. There will be no more aldermanships, no more freemanships, no more need for the ceremonial sword which bears the Royal Arms of Queen Ann, and the mace will become redundant which has been a replica of the one currently in use in the Houses of Parliament.

“Also gone will be the town’s ancient and historical seal which depicts the British knight of the thirteenth century and an Irish warrior of the sixteenth century, both of which emphasising two important and outstanding eras of conflict within our town’s history.

“The borough crest embodies in the Arms the town’s historical past as a port and the ship with the flag bearing the Arms of King William III who landed here in June 1690.”

Mr McFall added, if elected, TUV representatives “will fight hard to ensure a fair deal for our historic town”.