Cobain congratulated on Slugger award

Ulster Unionist Belfast City councillor, former Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers, has congratulated his Party colleague, North Belfast MLA Fred Cobain, on being awarded Committee Chair of the Year at the second annual Slugger O'Toole Awards.

"This is a great accolade for Fred who is a terrifically hard-working MLA and councillor, and reflects the esteem in which he is held within political circles.

"He chairs his meetings with complete neutrality - hauling his own Party colleagues over the coals as much as any other!

"As I'm sure we can all acknowledge, this hasn't been a terribly productive time for the Northern Ireland Assembly, but we can credit Fred Cobain with a great deal of hard work, particularly as chair of the DRD committee.

"Though committee work is typically the poor relation when it comes to public acknowledgement, this award gives credit where credit is due.

"I'm proud to say that Fred's reputation as a hard, but fair, taskmaster in this area has not gone unnoticed. Known for keeping all stakeholders on their toes, Fred is a genuine asset and wholeheartedly deserved this recognition."