A NI council is to have its first unionist leader in a “historic day” for the community.
DUP councillor Glyn Hanna will take the chain of office tonight (June 1) at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s AGM.
The Kilkeel businessman has been an elected member for the area since 2014 and briefly left the DUP during Edwin Poots leadership over an internal dispute.
On his social media Councillor Hanna said: “I am honoured to be taking up the roll of chairperson for incoming year.
“Today (June 1) is a historic day as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council gets its first ever unionists of any description to obtain this position.
“I look forward to having a very different year with a unionist doing this job.
“I am a veteran, I am a Mourne man and over the years I have done my very best for the community.”
Newry councillor, Doire Finn is understood to be nominated by the SDLP to take the deputy chairperson role.
Speaking publicly Councillor Finn said: “It is an incredible honour to be nominated as deputy chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down.
“Growing up here, you quickly learn the importance of community, looking out for one another and taking pride in where you come from, and those are values that have stayed with me throughout my time in public life.
“I want to thank my family, partner, friends and SDLP colleagues for their support and for putting their faith in me in taking on this role.”
