Councillor Beattie said: "Sinn Féin will nominate Councillor John Finucane for the position of Ard Mheara for the coming year. 

"John Finucane, who was recently elected to Belfast City Council, is a fearless defender and promoter of human rights and social justice and will ensure the rights of all are promoted and upheld." 

Speaking ahead of nomination, Councillor Finucane said: 

"I am honoured to have been selected by Sinn Féin for nomination to be the next Ard Mhéara of Belfast. 

"I am grateful to those who have elected me and to my party colleagues who have nominated me for this position.

“If elected, I will build on the legacy of Deirdre Hargey and put human rights and social justice at the heart of my term in office; standing up for the rights of all."

Pat Finucane was shot dead at the age of 39 in front of his wife and three children in 1989. 

Sinn Féin returned the highest number of councillors in the city following the recent local government elections.