Robin Newton MBE MLA

East Belfast Councillor and DUP MLA Robin Newton has said he is greatly saddened following the decision of Belfast’s Lord Mayor Naomi Long not to propose the loyal toast to Her Majesty the Queen at the Lord Mayor’s installation dinner.

Speaking today Mr Newton said,

“Lord Mayor Naomi Long will propose a toast to the people of Belfast during her installation dinner, Saturday 10 October. There is obviously nothing wrong with paying tribute to Belfast’s people but generations of Lord Mayor’s have indicated their loyalty to Her Majesty on behalf of the people of Belfast at their installation dinner.

Many in East Belfast will feel let down by the Alliance Party’s Lord Mayor. They will see the reopening of the City Hall after refurbishment as a welcome boost for the city. However, many will be saddened that at the first major event in the City Hall the newly installed Lord Mayor cannot pay tribute to Her Majesty.”