02/06/2003

Belfast City Council to appoint new Lord Mayor

Belfast City Council is set to vote on a new Lord Mayor this evening.

Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey steps down from a post he accepted last June, making him Belfast's first republican Lord Mayor.

However, his appointment caused anger among unionists who refused to appoint a deputy to work alongside a man who was twice interned during the height of Northern Ireland's 'Troubles'.

Mr Maskey claimed he would reach across Belfast's deep religious divide during his tenure.

Among his acts as Lord Mayor over the last year Mr Maskey held a Remembrance function for the Royal British Legion and took part in a commemoration service for those killed during the First World War's Battle of the Somme.

Though he incensed many unionists by placing an Irish Tricolour in his office alongside a Union Jack.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 July 2021
Belfast Lord Mayor Welcomes Progress On Avoniel Redevelopment
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl, has welcomed the progress being made on the £8 million redevelopment of Avoniel, which is due to reopen in October. The transformation of the former Avoniel Leisure Centre site aims to address the lack of 3G pitches in the area, while also providing flexible indoor space for the community.
28 May 2003
Lord Mayor's Belfast show promises fun
This years Lord Mayor's Show is set to be one of the most colourful ever with a revamped show that has placed its emphasis firmly on fun. The show, which takes place between 1pm and 3pm this Saturday, aims to give current Lord Mayor, Alex Maskey a farewell to remember.
01 December 2011
Mayor 'Sorry For Offence' Over Cadet Award
The Belfast Lord Mayor Niall O'Donnghaile has said that he has no issue apologising for any offence caused by his refusal to present a Duke of Edinburgh's award to a 15-year-old girl - who is also a member of the military Cadet Forces.
03 May 2024
Female Entrepreneurs Urged To Attend TechFoundHer AI Roadshow
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said Belfast must "support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future". She was speaking at the launch of the TechFoundHer AI Roadshow which will be taking place at The MAC, Cathedral Quarter, later this month.