The Worshipful the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly.
Councillor Neil Kelly is the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey for 2024-2025.
Born and raised in Antrim with strong family links, Councillor Kelly has faithfully represented the Antrim area since 2010.
He started his career in Learning Disability Nursing in 1982 and worked in a number of facilities until his semi-retirement in 2016 to focus more on his role as a Councillor.
His interest in politics came about through wanting to take a more active role in his community and work towards enhancing the quality of life for the people in his area.
Councillor Kelly has a long career in health and social care and a passion for animal welfare. During his year as Mayor Councillor Kelly is looking forward to meeting and engaging with as many individuals, groups and organisations as possible across the whole Borough.
Since becoming a Councillor Neil has served on various committees chairing the Operations Committee twice and also served as Vice Chair of the Policy and Governance Committee once.
Married to Christine, Neil is a well-known figure around the local walks and particularly the natural beauty spots of the Sixmile River and the grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens accompanied by his ‘best-friend’, red-setter, Murphy.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Mayor
As Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly has a number of duties and responsibilities, including:
- presiding over council meetings and, in the case of equality of votes, he has a second or casting vote
- promoting and raising awareness of the Council’s main objectives and priority issues
- encouraging and supporting all aspects of life in Antrim and Newtownabbey by attending civic and public events
- receiving distinguished visitors to the Borough
- acting as host on behalf of the council and the citizens of Antrim and Newtownabbey at civic functions
- acting as a spokesperson to the local, national and international media
- providing an appropriate response on behalf of Antrim and Newtownabbey at times of local, national and international catastrophe
- supporting and encouraging charitable and other appeals as appropriate
- promoting Antrim and Newtownabbey’s business, commercial, cultural and social life
- promoting Antrim and Newtownabbey as a place of excellence in which to live to do business and as a tourist destination