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Bid to block nationalist deputy Nationalist elected deputy mayor
(about 11 hours later)
Unionists are to make a last minute attempt to prevent a nationalist being elected deputy mayor in Antrim. A nationalist has been elected deputy mayor of Antrim despite a last minute attempt by unionists to block the move.
Independent Oran Keenan would be only the third nationalist to hold one of the top two posts on Antrim Borough Council Council in more than 30 years. Independent Oran Keenan is only the third nationalist to hold one of the top two posts on Antrim Borough Council Council in more than 30 years.
DUP members said they believed they had an agreement with the UUP to keep the two posts in unionist hands until 2009. Mr Keenan took the post by 10 votes to eight with the help of two Ulster Unionist members of the council.
They now claim two Ulster Unionists are considering backing former SDLP member Mr Keenan for the deputy's post. Earlier, the DUP said they they had an agreement with the UUP to keep the two posts in unionist hands until 2009.
Only one nationalist has ever been mayor of Antrim, while two more have been deputy. Only one nationalist has ever been mayor of Antrim, while two more have held the deputy post.
But with the spotlight now falling on unionist councils which refuse to share power, Mr Keenan's election would be viewed as significant. But with the spotlight now falling on unionist councils which refuse to share power, former SDLP member Mr Keenan's election is being viewed as significant.
The outcome is not inevitable, however, Ulster Unionists will meet on Friday and there are also expected to be talks with the DUP.
Recently in Ballymena DUP councillors helped elect an SDLP member as deputy mayor for the first time since their party took control of the council.Recently in Ballymena DUP councillors helped elect an SDLP member as deputy mayor for the first time since their party took control of the council.