New Lord Mayor of Belfast, Frank McCoubrey, aims to ‘get city moving again after Covid-19’

DUP councillor Frank McCoubrey will take up the position on Monday, but instead of shaking hands with outgoing mayor Danny Baker of Sinn Fein and handed the chain of office, the regalia will be set on a table. The event will be closed to the public and only 18 out of 60 councillors may attend, though it will be live streamed.

Asked what engagements are still in his diary and how they would be handled differently, a council spokeswoman said his diary of upcoming engagements is currently being reviewed.

“In response to Covid-19, all engagements will follow public health advice and Executive guidance,” she added.

Mr McCoubrey said: “Whether it is public services, or our hospitality, retail and tourism sector they will all need a massive boost to get out the other side of this. I want to draw all sectors together and help the city get back on its feet.”

He said it will be an enormous honour to serve as lord mayor of the city he grew up in and has lived his whole life in.

“I had plans to focus my term on improving access for people with disabilities to council services, but it is clear now the theme of the next year will be getting the city moving again after Covid-19.

“2021 will also be Northern Ireland’s centenary. I want to work across all sides of the city both celebrating this milestone but also looking forward to the next century.

“It is good to look back at the industries that built this city such as the ships and rope works but we need to use 2021 to look forward to the industries that will keep this city for another 100 years. The industries that will keep the next generation in jobs.”

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