Belfast's New Mayor Starts Duties

Belfast's new Mayor has taken over duties, overseeing the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations as his first official act.

DUP councillor Gavin Robinson, 27, stepped into the post early after outgoing mayor Niall O Donnghaile, of Sinn Fein, vacated his office in order to avoid the royal celebrations and Queen's visit.

Mr Robinson, a barrister with a Master’s degree in politics, said he hoped to bring "dynamism and positivity" to his year in the Lord Mayor's chains, and to "represent all citizens of Belfast".

He has said he will focus on rejuvenating shopping in Belfast's city centre and building links between business and politics.

But his entrance was marred by some controversy.

In one of his first moves since taking up office on Friday, Mr Robinson asked for items to be removed from the parlour at City Hall where royal portraits traditionally hang.

Mr O Donnghaile had added a copy of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence and a portrait of the United Irishmen to the room.

All the same, the new mayor paid tribute to his predecessor, who he said had made a significant contribution to issues around young people and suicide.

He said Mr O Donnghaile had "overall a very good year".

Sinn Fein councillor Tierna Cunningham is this year’s Deputy Lord Mayor.

(NE)