THE DUP and Sinn Féin have for the second year running taken the two top posts on Belfast City Council - including the first openly gay Deputy Lord Mayor.
Sinn Féin councillor Mary Ellen Campbell said she would use her position to highlight the rights and needs of the LGBT community.
"A city based on equality is a happier and more prosperous one," she said.
"I look forward to representing all the citizens of Belfast in the role of Deputy Mayor regardless of creed, class, gender or ethnicity and discharging my duties in the most inclusive and equal basis possible."
The DUP's Brian Kingston was elected Lord Mayor last night.
The post had been expected to go to party colleague Christopher Stalford, but he had to leave the council after being elected to Stormont assembly.
Lee Reynolds was co-opted into Mr Stalford's south Belfast seat and appointed DUP group leader on the authority.
Mr Kingston succeeds Sinn Féin's Arder Carson as mayor, and the west Belfast man thanked his fellow councillors for their support during his year.
Four other new councillors were also co-opted last night to replace members leaving for other elected roles.
Matt Collins has replaced People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, Ardoyne man Paul McCusker takes the seat of SDLP assembly member Nichola Mallon, and Margaret O'Donnell replaces Short Strand councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile who is now a member of the Republic's Senate.
