Belfast's first Sinn Féin Lord Mayor tonight issued a fresh plea to unionists to nominate a deputy mayor to serve alongside him.
West Belfast MLA Mr Alex Maskey, who made history in June when he was elected to the city's top post, hoped unionists would end their boycott of the deputy mayorship at the monthly meeting of city councillors tomorrow night.
"It is absurd that unionists have not to this point taken the position of Deputy Mayor," he said.
"Despite the high profile opposition of unionist councillors to nominate a Deputy Mayor from within their own ranks, life on the council continues as before.
"Unionist councillors work alongside those of Sinn Féin at committee level and indeed unionists have no difficulty in serving as deputy chairpersons on committees chaired by Sinn Féin members."
Mr Maskey has, since assuming office, sought to accommodate unionists in the city by taking part in commemoration services for those killed during the First World War's Battle of the Somme.
However, his decision to have the Tricolour on display in his office alongside the Union flag angered some unionists.
The Sinn Féin Lord Mayor argued: "As Lord Mayor, I have demonstrated a commitment to represent all of the people of the city in a fair and equal manner.
PA