Scott elected Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

UUP Councillor John Scott, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey.

The Macedon representative was elected the borough’s First Citizen for 2016/17 during the council’s annual general meeting on Monday night (June 6).

Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Thomas Hogg, told the meeting that it had been a great honour and privilege to serve as the new borough’s first Mayor.

The SDLP’s Noreen McClelland was elected Deputy Mayor at the meeting, which took place at Antrim’s Civic Centre. She takes on the role previously held by Alliance Councillor John Blair.

Speaking after his election, Cllr Scott thanked his predecessor for all his hard work and dedication to the role.

“The work you did this year was absolutely fantastic. I was starting to think you were Superman, you were from one end of the borough to another,” he commented.

“The pairing of you and John (Blair) together was absolutely fantastic. I just hope myself and my deputy will be able to continue that work.”

Cllr Scott, who recently helped organise the Darkness Into Light charity walk to raise awareness about the scourge of suicide, continued: “I’m probably coming out of the darkest period of my life, but out of the end of this darkness was hope. The theme for my term as Mayor will be hope.”

Cllr Scott, who has lost a number of family and friends through suicide, said that he will continue his work with Darkness Into Light during his time as Mayor.

The UUP man thanked his party for the nomination and reserved special thanks for his wife, Audrey.

Wishing Cllr Scott well for his term in office, DUP Councillor Phillip Brett said: “You will be an example to people in Antrim and Newtownabbey who have been through dark times. I have no doubt you will do a tremendous job.”

UUP Councillor Mark Cosgrove, who nominated Cllr Scott for the role, commented: “I have no doubt you will be a brilliant example to people of the council area.

“John’s cross-community credentials have been there for many, many years. He has been elected in three elections in a row; John has the support of the people of his area for his charity work.”

SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch, who was delighted to see party colleague Noreen McClelland take the Deputy Mayor’s post, said she was very much looking forward to working with Cllr Scott in the year ahead.

Offering his party’s congratulations, Sinn Fein Councillor Michael Goodman added: “You are a very fair person and someone who has incredible integrity. You have shown me a great deal of support. I have no doubt you will conduct yourself in this role with great dignity. We look forward to supporting you in whatever way we can.”

Praise for outgoing Mayor and Deputy for ‘brilliant year’