Parties move on to election footing with month to go

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson MP joined with the seven Carrickfergus DUP candidates in launching their campaign for the new Mid and East Antrim Council.

Mr Wilson said that the team has a mixture of experience, youth and people who have worked for a long time in their local communities.

“Billy Ashe, Lynn McClurg and May Beattie are long serving councillors in the current Carrickfergus Council and Fred Cobain has years of experience in Belfast City Council,” said Mr Wilson. Bobby Rice and Robert Stewart have both been active at a community level in the Knockagh ward for many years and Cheryl Johnston is one of the youngest candidates standing and will bring enthusiasm and knowledge of the views of young people in the constituency.

“The DUP team are committed to using the new powers which the Mid and East Antrim Council will be granted to promote economic development and tourism in the Carrickfergus area. They will also be putting as a high priority the development of the town centre and the maintenance of low rates at a time when businesses and households are struggling with various utility bills.”

The Ulster Unionist Party, which is part of the controlling group on council, is expected to hand in nominations tomorrow (Thursday) with sitting councillors John Stewart and Andrew Wilson, joined by Lindsay Millar.

Also nominating was the TUV with William Knox and Ken McFall endorsed by party leader Jim Allister MLA, who said: ““It is with great pleasure that I announce that William Knox and Ken McFall have submitted their nomination papers for the Carrick Castle and Knockagh DEAs for the forthcoming election to the Mid and East Antrim ‘super’ council. Both bring a wealth of experience and a determination to bring the TUV message to their areas.”

Also taking the familiar route to the Town Hall with his documents was veteran independent Alderman Jim Brown. Alliance, PUP, UKIP and independent John Cameron have already indicated they will be contesting the May 22 poll in Carrickfergus.