The Alliance Party has selected Martin McRandal to be their new Councillor for the Holywood and Clandeboye area.

Mr McRandal, who lives in Holywood, was selected at a meeting of the North Down Alliance Association held to select a replacement for Andrew Muir, who replaced Stephen Farry as an MLA.

Martin McRandal said: “It is a privilege for me to be selected to represent the people of Holywood and Clandeboye on Ards and North Down Council.

“In replacing Andrew Muir I have big shoes to fill, as Andrew is so highly regarded and proved himself to be a first class public representative in the role. I wish him well in his new Assembly role.

“I look forward to joining the strong Alliance Team on Council and to playing my part in delivering for all of the people of Ards and North Down.”

Councillor Gavin Walker said: “As a long-time resident of Holywood who has embedded himself in the community through his involvement in scouting, Martin McRandal will be a strong and knowledgeable voice for the people of the town. As a successful business owner, Martin brings another level of diversity to the Alliance Group which allows us to better understand and respond to the needs of everybody in the community.”

Speaking about his Council replacement, Andrew Muir MLA said: “This area now has a strong Alliance team working for them at Council, Stormont and Westminster. Martin McRandal will make a great addition to that team and I wish him every success representing the people of Holywood and Clandeboye.”