Menu
16/01/2018
Cllr Carole Howard Appointed New High Sheriff Of Belfast
Councillor Carole Howard has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast, succeeding Alderman Tom Haire to become the 118th High Sheriff of the city and the 12th woman to hold the position.
Councillor Howard's appointment also means that this is the third time in recent history that all three of Belfast's highest civic offices have been held by women.
Speaking about her appointment, Councillor Howard, said: "It is a great honour to have been elected to the post of High Sheriff, and I pledge to serve the people of Belfast, and to support the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor in carrying out my duties to the best of my ability.
"I will continue to work hard for our city during my time as High Sheriff, and hope to bring a positive contribution to making Belfast a better and brighter city for all its citizens."
Councillor Howard was elected to the former Castlereagh Borough Council in 2011, before being elected to represent the Lisnasharragh area of East Belfast in May 2014. She sits on the Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Licensing Committee US Stakeholders Group and Women's Steering Group, and is a member of both the East Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnership and Chair of the main Belfast PCSP.
The Local Government (Ireland) Act of 1898 provided for the appointment of a Sheriff for the newly created County of the City of Belfast. The first High Sheriff of Belfast, Sir James Henderson, was appointed in January 1900.
Unlike the Mayoral year, the post of High Sheriff begins in January and ends the following December.
Historically, the role of High Sheriff has been 'protector of the monarch's interests': however, it is now largely ceremonial and, since 1973, the appointment has been made by the Secretary of State, based on a nomination from Belfast City Council.
(MH)
Councillor Howard's appointment also means that this is the third time in recent history that all three of Belfast's highest civic offices have been held by women.
Speaking about her appointment, Councillor Howard, said: "It is a great honour to have been elected to the post of High Sheriff, and I pledge to serve the people of Belfast, and to support the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor in carrying out my duties to the best of my ability.
"I will continue to work hard for our city during my time as High Sheriff, and hope to bring a positive contribution to making Belfast a better and brighter city for all its citizens."
Councillor Howard was elected to the former Castlereagh Borough Council in 2011, before being elected to represent the Lisnasharragh area of East Belfast in May 2014. She sits on the Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Licensing Committee US Stakeholders Group and Women's Steering Group, and is a member of both the East Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnership and Chair of the main Belfast PCSP.
The Local Government (Ireland) Act of 1898 provided for the appointment of a Sheriff for the newly created County of the City of Belfast. The first High Sheriff of Belfast, Sir James Henderson, was appointed in January 1900.
Unlike the Mayoral year, the post of High Sheriff begins in January and ends the following December.
Historically, the role of High Sheriff has been 'protector of the monarch's interests': however, it is now largely ceremonial and, since 1973, the appointment has been made by the Secretary of State, based on a nomination from Belfast City Council.
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 January 2017
New High Sheriff For Belfast Appointed
A new High Sheriff for Belfast has been appointed. Alderman Tom Haire has been sworn in and the ceremony took place in the Reception Room of the City Hall. Alderman Haire succeeds Alderman Jim Rodgers, becoming the 117th High Sheriff of the city.
New High Sheriff For Belfast Appointed
A new High Sheriff for Belfast has been appointed. Alderman Tom Haire has been sworn in and the ceremony took place in the Reception Room of the City Hall. Alderman Haire succeeds Alderman Jim Rodgers, becoming the 117th High Sheriff of the city.
12 September 2022
High Sheriff Of Belfast Performs Re-Reading Of Accession Proclamation
The High Sheriff of Belfast Councillor John Hussey performed a re-reading of the Accession Proclamation at Belfast City Hall in full ceremonial robes. The reading was performed following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
High Sheriff Of Belfast Performs Re-Reading Of Accession Proclamation
The High Sheriff of Belfast Councillor John Hussey performed a re-reading of the Accession Proclamation at Belfast City Hall in full ceremonial robes. The reading was performed following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
22 January 2015
High Sheriff Of Belfast Sworn In
North Belfast Councillor Gareth McKee has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast. The DUP politician, 28, represents the Oldpark area of Belfast and replaces party colleague Lydia Patterson in the role. "I am both honoured and delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the prestigious role as High Sheriff of Belfast.
High Sheriff Of Belfast Sworn In
North Belfast Councillor Gareth McKee has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast. The DUP politician, 28, represents the Oldpark area of Belfast and replaces party colleague Lydia Patterson in the role. "I am both honoured and delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the prestigious role as High Sheriff of Belfast.
20 January 2014
Belfast High Sheriff Sworn In
Councillor Lydia Patterson has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast. The DUP Councillor, who represents the Castle area, has replaced her party colleague, Councillor Brian Kingston, in the new role. The first High Sheriff of Belfast was appointed in January 1900.
Belfast High Sheriff Sworn In
Councillor Lydia Patterson has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast. The DUP Councillor, who represents the Castle area, has replaced her party colleague, Councillor Brian Kingston, in the new role. The first High Sheriff of Belfast was appointed in January 1900.
26 January 2004
Belfast High Sheriff sworn in for 2004 term
Councillor Ruth Patterson has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast for 2004 in a traditional ceremony in the City Hall. Councillor Patterson, a member of the Ulster Democratic Unionist Party, has served the Balmoral Electoral Area since the last local government elections back in May 2001.
Belfast High Sheriff sworn in for 2004 term
Councillor Ruth Patterson has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast for 2004 in a traditional ceremony in the City Hall. Councillor Patterson, a member of the Ulster Democratic Unionist Party, has served the Balmoral Electoral Area since the last local government elections back in May 2001.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
