Best's family hits out at airport honour opposition

George Best’s family hit back today at critics of a decision to rename Belfast’s City Airport after the soccer legend.

Public opinion on the streets of his home city was split almost 50:50 after the announcement.

Even though Best’s sister, Barbara McNarry, spoke of her pride at the honour, she accepted others had reservations.

But she was taken aback by the ferocity of some of those opposed to the renaming.

She said: “We do fully understand that there are people who perhaps don’t agree with it.

“But there’s nothing more that the family can do.

“If the family have been honoured in this way, I don’t know what on earth we are expected to do but accept it very gratefully.”

A special ceremony unveiling the new signage, George Best Airport, has been planned for May 22, on what would have been his 60th birthday.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland international died last November.

An estimated 2.2 million passengers use the airport in east Belfast each year and the decision to rename it followed management meetings with his father, Dickie, and close relatives.

Airport chief executive Brian Ambrose said: “George Best was the finest footballer Northern Ireland has ever produced and one of the greatest footballers to grace the world stage, and a man who the public had great affection for.

“We believe that renaming the airport after George is a fitting and permanent tribute to his footballing brilliance.”

One radio poll recorded 52% in favour of the move.

The Belfast City-to-Manchester flybe service has already been named as a tribute to the player, and Belfast councillors are preparing to give the go-ahead for a statue at City Hall.

Best’s family said they were delighted with today’s announcement.

A spokesman said: “The airport is synonymous with east Belfast and with thousands of people using it on a daily basis, George’s memory will never be forgotten.

“This is a highly visible and lasting memorial to George that we hope will please many people in Northern Ireland.”