Councillor’s delight at being presented long service award

Councillor’s delight at being presented long service award

1 October 2025

A LOCAL councillor has been recognised for his long-standing service to local government.

The SDLP’s Joe Boyle, a representative for the Ards Peninsula on Ards and North Down Borough Council, was recently awarded a Long Service Award by the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region).

He said it was “a huge honour and an absolute privilege” to receive the award.

“I want to place on record my appreciation to the residents and ratepayers from the Ards Peninsula who have consistently returned me – for over 20 years – to represent them as their councillor, initially in Ards Borough Council for 10 years and then over the past 10 years in Ards and North Down Borough Council.” 

Cllr Boyle said during the past 20 years he has dealt with thousands of issues and concerns presented to him by not only the many residents and ratepayers from the Ards Peninsula, but from right across the entire boundaries of Ards and North Borough Council.

“I’ve dealt with every type of query and situation you could think of, some council-related and many not council-related,” he said.

“I have always adopted the principle of assisting every resident or ratepayer as far as possible with the concern presented to me.”

Cllr Boyle said there is “no better feeling” than achieving a positive outcome for those who have contacted him with what appears to be an impossible task. 

“But yet, you manage to get the result that they were looking for – that is really satisfying,” he said.

“It is always special to read or receive a ‘Thank You’ card or message.”

He added: “I have always offered a 24/7 service with 100% confidentiality assured to everyone who contacts me.

“As they say – you’re only as good as your last election and the public will let you know.”