WEDDING bells are due to ring for the Mayor of Ards and North Down who will wed his sweetheart on New Year’s Day.
While revellers head out on December 31 to sing Auld Lang Syne, Alistair Cathcart will be singing another tune – ‘I’m getting married in the morning’ – as he becomes what is thought to be the first sitting Mayor to marry during their time in office.
The 38 year-old first citizen of Ards and North Down Council is set to marry his fiancee Ashley McMordie on the first day of 2025 following a six month engagement.
Alistair, who has recently been appointed as office manager and senior case worker for North Down MLA Peter Martin, was elected to the post of Mayor in June this year.
Ashley is a trained teacher but works for Jim Shannon at his DUP office in Newtownards, and it was ‘in those circles’ that the couple met a number of years ago.
Alistair revealed he proposed to Ashley at a popular local spot known for its focus on nuptials.
“I propose to Ashley at the Crawfordsburn Inn, because that’s where we had our first date,” he said, though quipping his betrothed had already had the chance to select her engagement ring.
“We initially thought of New Year’s Eve but then we thought it would be a lovely start to the year and it all works out for the mayoral year of engagements,” he added.
After their big day, the couple will spend the first days of 2025 celebrating as Mr and Mrs on honeymoon in Bali.
