The Alliance Party scored victory over the DUP today over the appointment to a key European post.
The Assembly supported the nomination of Mr Sean Neeson to the regional chamber of the congress of regional and local authorities of Europe.
The appointment will give Stormont a regional voice on the Council of Europe.
An amendment put forward by the DUP calling on the Assembly to choose Committee of the Centre chairman Mr Edwin Poots was rejected.
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The Alliance leader, Mr David Ford, tabling the motion said his colleague had a keen interest in Europe and had regularly attended meetings of the EU committee of the regions.
"He has the ability to represent the entire range of opinions within this Assembly".
PA