He was speaking after a meeting of Alliance councillors to discuss a letter from the National Association of Councillors seeking views on potential options for industrial action.

Following the meeting, Councillor Lavery said: “Alliance will not be participating in any form of strike action or work-to-rule by councillors.

“At a time when working families are struggling with the rising cost-of-living and public services are under strain, our focus is on continuing to work hard for the communities we have the privilege to serve. That is not just our job, but our duty as elected representatives.

“We’ve seen the damage caused when the DUP and Sinn Féin have downed tools at Stormont, with the public left to pay the price. Any repeat of that dysfunction in council chambers would erode public confidence not just in local government, but in politics itself.

“This is the unanimous view of the Alliance Association of Councillors and we will be making this clear in our response to the NAC.”