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A glimpse into the life of a Ballymoney Councillor

Thursday, 23 February 2012

Cllr Roma McAfee pictured with husband Iain and their two children Rhiannon (6) and Cameron (3

COUNCILLOR Roma McAfee was nominated by husband Iain to sit on Ballymoney Council last October when he was forced to resign following questions about his eligibility. Having had no prior desire to actually be a Councillor - I decided to interview Roma to find out a little more about this brave woman who would agree to take on her husband's role!
In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, the Independent Councillor talks about the importance of family life, her childhood battle with leukaemia and aspirations for a better Ballymoney.
Roma said: "I became a Councillor after Iain was unable to take his seat. Like Iain, becoming a Councillor was not something I really wanted to do but, after a lot of thought and consideration, I agreed that Ballymoney needed an Independent who wasn't motivated by party politics but completely by the needs of the people."
The 31-year-old was born in the Mary Rankin Hospital in Coleraine and spent most of her life in Benvardin. At the age of just ten Roma was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and underwent chemotherapy, dialysis and radiotherapy.
“Up until two years ago when I was eventually discharged I attended the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children for regular check ups.
“Because of my experiences I have been a peer support volunteer and raised money through a number of fundraisers for a variety of children's cancers charities such as CLIC Sargent and Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children."
“I love spending time with my family"
Now living in Glebeside with her husband Iain and their two children Rhiannon (6) and Cameron (3), Roma says the most important thing in the world to her is family and friends.
“I love spending time with my family and friends and always find the time to do both. I love getting away on holidays and breaks. As long as I have my family with me, the where doesn't really matter."
Talking about her future as a Councillor, Roma says her position as Chair on Glebeside Community Association has given her an understanding of some of the problems and issues faced by local people. "What I did learn during that time is that you have to listen to people if they're to be helped.
“I just want Ballymoney to be a better place to live. As a parent I want to see my children have a happy and secure life. If Ballymoney can become such a place then I believe that the people I represent will be happier. People are losing hope and there are fears for the future. The Council needs to start raising the aspirations of local people and this will only be achieved through actions not words."

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