ULSTER Unionist Craig Blaney is to be the next Mayor of Ards and North Down.
The Bangor Central councillor will officially take up his chain of office on Wednesday, June 3, at Ards and North Down Council’s annual meeting.
His deputy will be a DUP councillor although the party has yet to announce who that will be.
Mr Blaney was deputy mayor from 2022 to 2023 and said the opportunity to be Mayor is ‘something very special indeed’.
As a local businessman, Mr Blaney said he was keen to ‘shine a light’ on local business, entrepreneurship and town centre regeneration.
“Local business is something I am genuinely passionate about,” he said. “Our local businesses are not just shopfronts or names above doors. They are families, employers, creators, risk-takers and people who put everything into making their ideas work.
“I want to champion our independent businesses, our high streets, our food and drink producers, our artists, our makers, our tourism businesses, our hospitality sector and everyone who is trying to do something positive in Ards and North Down.”
Mr Blaney said he also wanted to promote the borough as a place to invest and do business.
“I’ve seen first-hand that we can attract serious businesses and serious investment into the borough. I was proud to play a part in bringing Vikela Armour to Ards and North Down, something which represents a multi-million-pound investment and a positive step for local jobs and the wider economy.”
Said Mr Blaney: “With over £120m of investment linked to Bangor’s waterfront, including the Belfast Region City Deal and the Queen’s Parade regeneration, we are at a hugely important moment for the city.
“These projects have the potential to reshape how people see Bangor, to support our local economy, to attract visitors and to give confidence to businesses already here and those looking to invest.
The regeneration of Queen’s Parade is another significant issue for Mr Blaney.
“One of the main reasons I stood for council seven years ago was to see Queen’s Parade delivered,” he said.
“What should always have been the jewel in the crown of Bangor was, for far too long, left to wreck and ruin. It became an albatross around the neck of the city and a symbol of delay, frustration and missed opportunity.
“From the beginning of my time on council, I have pushed to see that site finally move forward. It has taken longer than any of us would have wanted, but that is finally changing.
“To serve as Mayor at a time when people can see real progress on Queen’s Parade will mean a huge amount to me personally. It matters for Bangor, for tourism, for local businesses, for confidence and for the wider borough.”
Mr Blaney is also keen to work with the local chambers of commerce, schools and business leaders on initiatives that give young people the chance to develop ideas, build confidence and understand the opportunities that exist locally.
“We have incredible business people in this borough, and I would love to connect some of that experience with our schools and young people.
“If even a few young people finish the year thinking, ‘I could do that’, then that would be a legacy worth having.”
He pledged to be a Mayor for the ‘whole of Ards and North Down’.
“From Portaferry to Holywood, from Comber to Donaghadee, from Newtownards to Bangor and everywhere in between, I want to celebrate the people and places that make this borough special,” he said.
“I want to bring energy, positivity and personality to the role, I want to support people where I can, recognise those who deserve recognition, and make sure local businesses, community groups and unsung heroes feel seen and valued.
“This borough has so much going for it. I believe its best days are ahead, and it will be a real honour to play my part in telling that story over the next year.”
