Northern Ireland boasts two new cities after Lisburn, Co Antrim, and Newry, Co Down, have been granted city status in a competition to mark Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee.
The towns were judged on their notable characteristics, historical and royal connections and progressive attitudes. Other towns competing for the honour were Carrickfergus and Ballymena in Co Antrim, Coleraine in Co Derry and Craigavon, Co Armagh.
The North's three existing cities are Belfast, Derry and Armagh.
Congratulating the two new cities, the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, said both Newry and Lisburn "deserved their hard-won success". "It is a tribute to the new Northern Ireland that two towns were chosen to be cities - it shows just how far we have come in economic and social regeneration during the peace process. I hope everyone will be able to take confidence, pride and enjoyment from these awards."
While congratulating Newry and Lisburn on their newly won status, the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, said the decision had the potential to cause "bitter resentment" in Craigavon. Some people would "detect a hint of politics" in Dr Reid's recommendations, he claimed. Craigavon is in Mr Trimble's own Upper Bann constituency.