The new mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens has said he “will amplify the voices and aspirations of our youth” in the borough.
Sinn Féin Ballymoney councillor Ciarán McQuillan was appointed mayor at a meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on Monday evening.
The 22-year-old has become the youngest mayor of the council since it was created in 2015, and he replaces DUP Limavady councillor Steven Callaghan in the role.
In his opening mayoral address, Mr McQuillan said it was a “great privilege” to don the chain of office.
“I will amplify the voices and aspirations of our youth,” he said.
“It is my goal not only to highlight their talents and ambitions, but also to address the challenges they face.
“As mayor, I am committed to promoting and addressing the mental health challenges throughout our council area.”
He also pledged to “reach out the hand of friendship” and be “a mayor for all”, adding: “I will continue to do everything in my power to attract jobs, investments and opportunities to this district.”
Coleraine DUP councillor Tanya Stirling is the new deputy mayor of the borough.
Meanwhile, Alliance Party councillor Neil Kelly has been selected as the new mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Speaking at the council meeting on Monday at which he was appointed, the Antrim rep said he was “extremely humbled and honoured” to take on the role.
“I am excited to work with people from all communities, celebrating the remarkable work and services delivered daily by residents, voluntary and community organisations, and businesses across our borough,” he said.
Fellow Antrim rep, the DUP’s Paul Dunlop, is the borough’s new deputy mayor.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council appointed Slieve Gullian SDLP councillor Pete Byrne as its chairperson on Monday evening.
“I am determined to be a champion for inclusion and the most vulnerable in our society and will use my platform and voice to shout as loud as possible about everything Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer,” he said.
Alliance councillor for the Rowallane area, David Lee-Surginor, is the district’s new deputy chairperson.
At Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Annual General Meeting on Monday evening, the DUP’s Braid area councillor Beth Adger became mayor, while Sinn Féin’s Ballymena rep Bréanainn Lyness was named deputy mayor.
