19/12/2019

New Lord Mayor Of Belfast Installed

Sinn Fein Councillor Daniel Baker has been instated as the new Lord Mayor of Belfast.

The 37 year-old, who represents the Colin area of west Belfast, replaces his party colleague John Finucane after he was elected as North Belfast MP at last week's General Election.

Speaking after he was installed by Belfast City Council on Wednesday, Cllr Baker paid tribute to his predecessor and said it was an honour to become Belfast's First Citizen.

He said: "I'm pleased to be taking over the chain of office from John and look forward to continuing his great work in the year ahead.

"I will work as Lord Mayor for all communities, particularly those affected by poverty and unemployment. I will be a champion for improvements in mental health services, and continue to work on climate resilience in our city."

He added: "Belfast is the rainbow city – it is made up of a diverse and vibrant population. It is a city on the rise and one that I am immensely proud to be a citizen. As Mayor, I will strive to represent all citizens equally.

"I will champion the need for improvements to our mental health services.

"I will fight for stronger action against climate breakdown.

"I will work with young people to ensure that they are included in decision making and that they have a bright future and better quality of life."

Councillor Baker was a member of the Council's Brexit Committee, People and Communities Committee and the Council's Climate Change Working Group.

He will join a team of civic dignitaries that includes Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Peter McReynolds of the Alliance party and High Sheriff of Belfast, Alderman Tommy Sandford of the DUP.



(JG/CM)

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