President Mary McAleese returned to her native Belfast today to meet Lord Mayor Mr Martin Morgan and other guests at the City Hall.
Unionists, including Deputy Lord Mayor Margaret Crooks and former first citizen Mr Jim Rodgers, were among the guests who met President McAleese at a special reception.
Entitled a "celebration of partnership" the lord mayor's reception also included representatives of children's rights groups, people from the ethnic community as well as business, community and church leaders.
Mr Morgan said he could have filled the City Hall with those who wanted to meet Mrs McAleese.
The city's lord mayor said it was significant that politicians from across the political spectrum including the UUP, PUP, Sinn Féin and the SDLP were there to meet the President.
"I think that shows how far we have moved and it was important for President McAleese as a native of Belfast to see where we are going as a city," he added.
PA
