Councillor Gerry Gallagher has been appointed chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Council for the next year.

Mr Gallagher replaces Larne Mayor Bobby McKee who has chaired the body for the last twelve months.

Councillor James Brown from Carrickfergus Borough Council was elected to the position of Vice- Chair of the Housing Council replacing Mr Gallagher who held the position for several years.

Speaking after the elections, Mr Gallagher paid tribute to the outgoing chair.

He said: "Councillor McKee has made a tremendous contribution to the ongoing work of the Housing Council over many years."

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Referring to his forthcoming role Mr Gallagher said: "The Housing Council has an important role to play in developing and monitoring housing policies.

"I will endeavour to carry on the good work carried out by the Housing Council and will do my best to represent both the Housing Council and local government on all housing matters."

Mr Brown also paid tribute to the work of the former chairman and vice-chairman and pledged to continue their efforts in ensuring that the housing needs of the people of Northern Ireland receive the appropriate priority.

Both the new chair and vice-chair will be part of a Housing Council delegation due to meet the Housing Minister, Margaret Ritchie and the Social Development Committee, in the coming weeks.

The Northern Ireland Housing Council is a statutory advisory, consultative and representative body comprising one Member of each of the 26 District Councils.

(PR/GK)