Ex Belfast mayor discharged after heart attack

A former Sinn Féin mayor of Belfast was today released from hospital after receiving treatment over Christmas for a minor heart attack.

South Belfast Assembly Member Alex Maskey suffered the heart scare on Christmas Day.

He was released from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast last night.

As he recovered at home, the Sinn Féin MLA said: “I want to thank all the staff at the RVA for their efforts and support.

“I also want to thank the many well-wishers who have sent messages of support.”

Mr Maskey is a senior member of Sinn Féin’s negotiating team.

In January 1994, he survived a loyalist murder bid by the Ulster Freedom Fighters at his home.

He served as Belfast’s first ever mayor between 2002 and 2003.