Ladies’ day at the polls for DUP trio

DUP candidates May Beattie (left) and Lynn McClurg celebrating after being elected to Knockagh District Electoral Area. INCT 22-796-CON

Alderman May Beattie and Councillor Lynn McClurg, a former Mayor and Mayoress respectively, were returned in Knockagh.

Meanwhile, Cheryl Johnston, running for the first time, took a seat in Carrick Castle.

Alderman Beattie said: “I would like to thank the people of Knockagh for coming out and voting and for their confidence that we will work for them in the future.”

She added that their success was down to the work they have done in the past

Councillor McClurg referred to the importance of retaining local identity after the new super-council is up and running in April 2015.

Speaking to the TIMES at the count centre in Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena, she said: “We want to build in the community so that in Mid and East Antrim, Carrickfergus is not forgotten. We will continue to work for Carrickfergus.”