Cllr Kate Nicholl Installed As New Lord Mayor Of Belfast

Councillor Kate Nicholl has been installed as the new Lord Mayor of Belfast.

She is taking over the chain of office from Alderman Frank McCoubrey.

Councillor Nicholl, an Alliance party member representing the Balmoral area of south Belfast, said her theme for her year in office would be 'Our Belfast'.

"Belfast, all of it, belongs to each of us, and we should have pride in all its glories," said Councillor Nicholl.

"I want to use my year as Lord Mayor to get to know every part of this city – to meet the people in every area, to recognise those who are making a difference in every quarter, and to find ways to work with them for the betterment of our city.

"Bring me to the communities you work in, introduce me to the people changing lives, and show me the hidden gems in your area."

Councillor Nicholl, who has an 18-month-old son Cian, said focusing on children and young people and making sure their voices are heard, would also be high on her agenda.

She said: "I'll be bringing their voices into these meetings, using what opportunities I can to discuss child poverty, mental health and well-being, and how we can work for better outcomes for our young people."

Championing action on climate change and the environment is also something that Councillor Nicholl has prioritised for her year in office and said she hoped residents would also get on board.

"I will do what I can to promote ever change we can each make to play our part in tackling the environmental crisis. With the help of some of our wonderful organisations, I will be setting a monthly Lord Mayor's environmental challenge and I hope you will join with me each month."