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Loyalist nominated high sheriff Loyalist nominated high sheriff
(20 minutes later)
A loyalist councillor who has past links with the UDA has been nominated high sheriff of Belfast.A loyalist councillor who has past links with the UDA has been nominated high sheriff of Belfast.
Frank McCoubrey's nomination will only be confirmed if Secretary of State Shaun Woodward agrees.Frank McCoubrey's nomination will only be confirmed if Secretary of State Shaun Woodward agrees.
As deputy lord mayor he was criticised for wearing his official robes to an event where he shared a stage Johnny Adair and Michael Stone in 2000. As deputy lord mayor he was criticised for wearing his official robes to an event where he shared a stage with Johnny Adair and Michael Stone in 2000.
The high sheriff represents Belfast City Council at civil functions. The NIO has made no comment. In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said it had only received one nomination.
The current high sheriff, Bob Stoker, was asked by the NIO for the names of three suitable candidates for 2009. However, as in previous years, only one name was submitted.
Mr Stoker proposed Councillor McCoubrey and the council approved, while Sinn Féin abstained.
The high sheriff represents Belfast City Council at civic functions.