Alderman John Smyth was first elected to Council in 2001 and has recently been elected for a second term as a councillor to the award-winning Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey.
He is a strong advocate for community development and is a member of a number of local community groups.
Alderman Smyth realised the need within the community and helped form the well-established Muckamore Credit Union.
He is a member of Antrim Methodist Church and of the Loyal Orders.
The Mayor, Alderman John Smyth, would like to continue the great work that has been carried out by previous Mayors across the Borough to make Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough a place to be proud of and a place to relax and enjoy the fantastic leisure facilities.
Alderman John Smyth and his wife Carol have three children and seven grandchildren.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Mayor
As Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Smyth has a number of duties and responsibilities, including:
- presiding over council meetings and, in the case of equality of votes, he has a second or casting vote
- promoting and raising awareness of the Council’s main objectives and priority issues
- encouraging and supporting all aspects of life in Antrim and Newtownabbey by attending civic and public events
- receiving distinguished visitors to the Borough
- acting as host on behalf of the council and the citizens of Antrim and Newtownabbey at civic functions
- acting as a spokesperson to the local, national and international media
- providing an appropriate response on behalf of Antrim and Newtownabbey at times of local, national and international catastrophe
- supporting and encouraging charitable and other appeals as appropriate
- promoting Antrim and Newtownabbey’s business, commercial, cultural and social life
- promoting Antrim and Newtownabbey as a place of excellence in which to live to do business and as a tourist destination