McAleese to address unionist-controlled council

Mary McAleese will today become the first Irish President to address the unionist-controlled council of Lisburn.

The Belfast-born President will take part in a special council meeting after an invitation from the borough's Alliance Mayor Trevor Lunn.

Mr Lunn, who will end his term as Mayor later this week, welcomed President McAleese's decision to come to the borough.

"I am delighted the President has accepted my invitation to visit," the Lagan Valley Assembly member said.

"While she is here, Mrs McAleese will not only be addressing the council and attending a special lunch but visiting local schools.

"Both the President and her husband have very much been involved in reaching out to all communities in Northern Ireland during her term of office. That is something I have tried to encourage as well.

"It is good for Lisburn that she is here."

Unionist and nationalist councillors have been at loggerheads for many years in Lisburn, with Sinn Féin criticising the Democratic Unionists and Ulster Unionists for not sharing the top posts.

A new Mayor will be elected in Lisburn on Thursday.

Mrs McAleese has at times been criticised by unionist leaders, not least by the Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley.

However, the President and her husband Martin have also been praised for the work they have engaged in in reaching out to loyalist working class communities.

They have visited many Protestant churches and schools while in office.

President McAleese will also visit a Catholic school in the town and also a Protestant school.