Belfast’s new elected Lord Mayor has said he hopes for “community spirit and cooperation”, during an unusual annual general meeting at city hall.
On Monday evening, DUP Councillor Frank McCoubrey took on the role in a socially distanced chamber that had only 18 of Belfast’s 60 councillors in attendance.
A councillor for 24 years, Councillor McCoubrey is the second longest serving in the present council, and has held all three chains of office at city hall. He was elected in the Court area, which covers Shankill and Woodvale, Falls, Forth River, Falls, Clonard and Ballygomartin.
The new Lord Mayor told the chamber: “Communities across Belfast have demonstrated the true spirit of the city throughout this ongoing pandemic, and I have seen first-hand how people are helping their neighbours and supporting one another.
“It is my hope that there is a ray of light at the end of this, where people and communities will build on this spirit of cooperation and go on to build a better Belfast for future generations. We are a resilient people and a resilient city, and we will get through this, together.”
He added: “Special tribute must be made to all those who have worked on the frontline throughout this crisis - in Council, in our health service and emergency services, care homes, and our business community.
“Many individuals and groups have made such a difference throughout our city, looking after the most vulnerable day after day. They are what makes this city what it is, and we should be eternally grateful to those who have stepped up.
“It is also important that we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives over the past few months, and their families. It has impacted so many, so quickly that it has transformed our whole way of life. During my term I will make it my priority to determine how we can best remember those who have lost their lives, to offer a place of remembrance and tribute.”
SDLP Councillor Paul McCusker took on the role of Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast. He was elected councillor for the Oldpark electoral area, which includes Ardoyne, Ballysillan, Cliftonville, Legoniel, New Lodge and Waterworks.
He told the chamber: “What we have seen during Covid 19 is how the city has come together to support those who are most vulnerable. My role during the year will be to show Belfast as a city of compassion, where we highlight all the positive work that has been happening, and carry it on throughout the year.
“For me, it is about giving those people who often feel marginalised in the city a voice - those who are homeless, suffering addiction, those with mental health issues. We saw an increase of families and individuals' experiences of poverty - part of my year will be about how the city responds, and how we can assist people out of poverty.”
During the AGM meeting, DUP party group leader George Dorrian was made an alderman, and elevated honorary title nominated for services to the council.
