THE north will today become the last place in western Europe to introduce a mandatory code of conduct for councillors.
Representatives of the north's 11 new supercouncils must adhere to the new code, which covers issues including councillors' conduct and disclosure of interests.
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, Dr Tom Frawley, has warned all councillors it is their responsibility to ensure that they understand the code and fully comply with it.
The new supercouncils take up power on April 1.
The code said councillors are entitled to promote and campaign for their political ideas and to challenge those of others.
But it warned that councillors' right to freedom of expression should "not be used as an excuse for improper conduct generally".
It said councillors must not make personal insults or spread malicious rumours and must treat members of the public with respect.
Councillors also have a responsibility to register any personal interests, including any employment or involvement in a business.
Any councillor found to have breached the code could face disqualification for up to five years.
Dr Frawley will be responsible for investigating complaints about alleged breaches of the code.
"The additional powers and functions that will come to the new councils on 1st April will present challenges and opportunities for us all," he said.
"This is an important and exciting time for everyone involved in local government and I am pleased to undertake my role in ensuring that the standards regime is effective and promotes proper ethical conduct."
Environment minister Mark H Durkan said councillors must "demonstrate high standards of behaviour".
"I am sure that the guidance and the experience that the commissioner and his staff will bring to this work, will go a long way to assisting councillors in their role and in building public confidence in the practice of local government," he said.
