Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Cllr. Bréanainn Lyness
The office of deputy mayor in Mid and East Antrim borough will be held for the first time by a Sinn Féin councillor following council’s AGM on Monday evening, 3rd June.
Bréanainn Lyness was elected as the party’s first ever councillor for Ballymena town in May 2023
Bréanainn was educated at St Louis Primary, St Patrick's Secondary School, and Queen’s University where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in political studies. He then worked for a year with New York City’s council and volunteered for the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre helping marginalised groups.
Following taking up the duties as deputy mayor from outgoing Alderman Stewart McDonald (TUV), the 31-year-old councillor sought to strike a conciliatory tone, promising to “work for everyone and with everyone” over the mayoral year ahead.
Speaking on Monday night following his appointment, Deputy Mayor Cllr Bréanainn Lyness stated:
"It is truly an honour to have been selected by my party to serve as the Deputy Mayor for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
”I want to thank my party for giving me the opportunity to work for communities across Mid & East Antrim.
“I was elected to this council just a year ago by the voters of Ballymena town.
“As a Baile Meánach man born and bred, that was a very proud moment for me personally, and it was also an historic election result for the people of this town.
I look forward to continuing to represent Ballymena and its people.
“Tonight represents another historic moment for the people of Mid & East Antrim as I become the first Republican deputy mayor in this council’s history.
“In my role as deputy mayor, I will work for everyone and with everyone across Mid & East Antrim to support workers and families, to showcase our local businesses and community / sporting organisations and to highlight the positive work of this council.
“Working together in this council chamber and beyond we can send out a positive message that Mid and East Antrim is a vibrant place to work and live in and a welcoming place for all.
“Our differences should make us stronger and not divide us, as such my time as deputy mayor will be built on mutual respect and inclusivity, and I look forward to working with the mayor over the next year.
“Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir."
Meanwhile, veteran DUP councillor Alderman Beth Adger will take up the office of Mayor from the outgoing Alliance Party councillor, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna.