Stewart Dickson MLA said: “It is anticipated that the East Antrim Alliance Association will hold its selection meeting to replace me as a councillor shortly after Easter. I would then anticipate formally handing over towards the end of June, but almost certainly before the Council AGM in early July. This timeframe will permit me to afford my replacement a full and comprehensive handover.
“I am stepping down from my position as a councillor to honour my election promise not to double-job. I am proud of my work over the past 32 years on Carrickfergus Borough Council and believe that I have left a lasting legacy.
“I decided to remain on council for these past several months as I felt my experience would be of benefit to constituents during a period of major change within council. For example, the Town Clerk had resigned and a new incumbent, of outstanding calibre, would be essential to take us forward into the potentially turbulent period that the Review of Public Administration will surely generate. Accordingly I concluded that my professional background would be a significant advantage in the recruitment process. I now wish to concentrate only on my duties as an MLA, but I will always be extremely interested in matters affecting the Town.”
Ends