Second councillor convicted of drink-driving re-elected

An Alliance councillor who was convicted of drink-driving has won back his council seat after topping the poll.

Patrick Brown, a member of the Newry, Mourne and Down council, was among the first candidates to be elected on day two of the count in the Northern Ireland local elections.

He was re-elected to the Rowallane district electoral area on the first stage of the count with 1,416 votes.

He is the second councillor convicted of drink-driving to be re-elected, after the DUP’s Thomas Hogg retained his seat in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.

He was banned from driving after admitting drink-driving in Belfast last May.

Mr Brown was caught riding his motorbike while under the influence of alcohol in 2017.

He took part in an event to raise money for Brake, a charity which supports road crash victims, last year.

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Hogg said: “I am delighted with the results that we have received.

“The party has retained three seats in the area and I am particularly pleased that my own vote has increased by over 400 votes.

“The party’s strength in the area is based on hard work and I hope that my result is a reflection of the record of delivery by the party in the area.

“I am grateful to my colleagues and constituents for their support and I look forward to representing the area with renewed vigour and enthusiasm over the next four years.”