He will be installed into the role at tonight’s (1 June) Full Council meeting.

Cllr Abernethy has said: “First of all, I want to commend council colleagues Tracy Kelly and Paul Doherty for their service over the past year, and congratulate Róis-Máire Donnelly on her appointment as Lord Mayor for the coming year.

“As someone who grew up in this city, in a terraced house in Lismain Street in east Belfast, and who loves this city, it’s an absolute honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to represent it as Deputy Lord Mayor. Back then, I could never have imagined being in the place I am now.

“Without a doubt, the most exciting part of this role is getting the chance to meet the people that make Belfast what it is, to see first-hand the work being done to make this city a better place to live and work, and to support the amazing organisations largely responsible for helping see it done.

“One thing I have realised over my lifetime is that there are not two communities living in this city. We are, together, one community, made up of many different and diverse identities, backgrounds, and ways of life. I look forward to getting to know them all a little better over the next year or so.

“I can’t wait to hit the ground running and get stuck in.”