Mayor's Office

Mayor and Deputy Mayor

At a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on 5 June 2023 Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna (Alliance) and Councillor Stewart McDonald (TUV) were appointed Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively.

Mayor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna

Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna is deeply passionate about our community and the important role that volunteerism plays in it.

Throughout her life, she has seen firsthand the incredible impact that volunteers can have on the lives of those around them, and is truly inspired by the dedication and commitment of all those who give their time and energy to make our community a better place.

Gerardine hopes to build upon this legacy of service and inspire even more people to get involved in making a positive difference in the lives of others.

One issue that is particularly close to her heart is dementia.

This is a condition that affects not only the individual living with it but also their loved ones and caregivers.

She is committed to working with local healthcare providers and community groups to raise awareness about this issue and to ensure that those affected by dementia have the support and resources they need.

Alderman Mulvenna is also an advocate of the arts and young people.

She believes that by providing young people with opportunities to engage in creative activities, we can help to nurture their talents and inspire them to become the next generation of artists, musicians, and performers.

As someone who is proud to call Mid and East Antrim her home, Gerardine is committed to promoting tourism throughout the area, especially in places along the Glens of Antrim Coast Road. 

With our stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, our community has so much to offer visitors, and she is excited to help showcase all that we have to offer.

Above all, her goal as Mayor is to make Mid and East Antrim a better place for everyone to live in and enjoy.

Whether you are a young person just starting out on your journey or a family looking for a great place to call home, she is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our community continues to thrive and grow.

Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna

Deputy Mayor Alderman Stewart McDonald

Alderman Stewart McDonald is Bannside born and bred and has represented the area on council since 2014 having succeeded one of local government’s longest-serving members, Roy Gillespie, who served the area with distinction for more than four decades.

Stewart is married to Julie.

The couple have two children, Zach and Jake, and Stewart wants to make Mid and East Antrim a better place for them and other children to grow up in.

Actively involved in local football for most of his life, Stewart is the current Chairman of Ahoghill Thistle.

Through his involvement in football, he has witnessed first-hand the potential of sport to be a positive influence in the life of children and young people alike.

During his term as Deputy Mayor, Alderman McDonald is committed to not only recognising the invaluable part that sport plays in the life of so many but actively working to protect and improve leisure provision across the Borough.

2023 is not just Stewart’s year as deputy mayor.

It also marks the beginning of a new chapter for him personally as he starts up his own business in the construction industry after 24 years of experience within the sector.

He knows first-hand the challenges faced by ordinary working people and will strive to make Mid and East Antrim the best place to do business against the challenging backdrop of the cost of living crisis and the imposition of an Irish Sea Border.

Deputy Mayor Alderman Stewart McDonald pictured in his Council robes and chain of office