Castlereagh Councillor Michael Long said: “An alternative anthem for the Northern Ireland football team could potentially make more people feel welcome and ensure bigger attendances for matches. This can only be a good thing from both a community relations and a financial perspective.
“I have previously called for a new anthem for the team and I am reiterating my call now as I believe that we have a new society and adaptations are needed to take account of this positive new situation.
“I think that something that more appropriate to Northern Ireland and all its people should be considered. Scotland and Wales use their own anthems and that does not in any way diminish their role in the UK.”