David Ford said: “This is great news for Belfast and is a momentous occasion as Naomi is the first female mayor of the city in a generation and only the second ever.
“Naomi is the perfect person to represent everyone in the city and work towards the shared future we so badly need.
“This exciting development will mean that work on improving community relations and ending segregation will be the main priority for the city.
“Naomi’s election sends out a message of hope and shows that Belfast this year is looking to the future.”
ENDS