Maskey elected Mayor of Belfast

Sinn Fein’s Alex Maskey tonight became the first member of his party to be elected Lord Mayor of Belfast.

The West Belfast Assembly member was elected with the support of Sinn Fein, nationalist SDLP and cross community Alliance Party councillors in Belfast City Hall.

He received 26 votes, beating Ulster Unionist Chris McGimpsey on 15 votes and the Democratic Unionist Robin Newton on 10.

There was a resounding cheer as Mr Maskey prepared to assume the mayoral seat at the head of the council chamber.