ALLIANCE councillor Carole Howard was sworn in yesterday as the new High Sheriff of Belfast.
She succeeds Alderman Tom Haire to become the 118th High Sheriff of the city and the twelfth woman to hold the position.
It is also the third time in recent history that all three of Belfast’s highest civic offices have been held by women including mayor Alliance Nuala McAllister and deputy mayor, UUP councillor Sonia Copeland.
"It is a great honour to have been elected to the post of High Sheriff, and I pledge to serve the people of Belfast, and to support the lord mayor and deputy lord mayor in carrying out my duties to the best of my ability," said Ms Howard.
"I will continue to work hard for our city during my time as High Sheriff and hope to bring a positive contribution to making Belfast a better and brighter city for all its citizens."
