Michelle honoured by mayoral role

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council saId it had been ‘an honour and a privilege’ to have been the First Citizen for the past 14 months.

“I have attended over 800 events, it has been an extremely busy time, but the numbers don’t express the great work done by local people, it has been a privilege to meet so many good people in the borough,” she said.

“We also have such a wide range of sports teams in the borough and it was a pleasure to meet them and applaud their achievements, from young to old.

“The visit of the Circuit of Ireland was a proud moment for me, they were very impressed to see what we had to offer in the borough.

“One of my standout moments was when I got to meet Prince Charles and Camilla in Corrymeela. Although I think there was a bit of a language barrier between Charles and my husband!

“I’m also delighted that through my year I have been able to raise £5,000 for my chosen charities - NI Air Ambulance and Headway.

“Headway was a very personal choice for me having had a head injury myself.

“That’s why I pushed myself into this position, it’s not been without its difficulties, there was a few nights in council when I suffered from migraines.

“For me though it’s part of my life and who I am.

“I’d like to thank my husband, children and parents because I couldn’t have done this without them.

“I’d also like to thank all the staff, Heads of Service, my own party and other members who helped me throughout the year.

“And also thank you to all the members who challenged me as I have learned from it.”

Cllr Knight-McQuillan was thanked by all the parties for her efforts througout the past year. She handed over the chain of office to SDLP councillor Maura Hickey , the first nationalist Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens.

“Our council has a significant job of work to do, I hope we can work together in the common interest of all those we represent” she said.