Dillon selected to serve on Euro body

Lisburn's former Mayor said he was "very pleased" with his selection, which will see him attend meetings both in Strasbourg, France and other locations across Europe, as well as over-seeing elections within Europe.

Mr Dillon said: "This came about because they have to have two representatives from each country. I'm the alternative, but I will be at all the meetings. They hold the main meeting in Strasbourg and then have committees across different European cities. I will also be asked to monitor elections in Europe, including countries in Eastern Europe that are not in the EU."

The Moira man will serve a five year term, should he be re-elected next year. If not, he will still be approved for a six month period.

"I'm very pleased," Mr Dillon said. "I like to travel and hopefully I will have a good grasp of it."

The Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman Paul Porter, said it was 'a great honour to have a representative of Lisburn City Council appointed to this Congress'.

"I am confident that Jim, with over 33 years of service as an elected member, will avail of every opportunity within the Congress forums to discuss both success stories and concerns regarding the Lisburn electoral area and Northern Ireland plc.

"The Council of Europe has always recognised the crucial importance of democracy at local and regional levels. This is the reason for its commitment to promoting a style of local self-government that meets the needs of citizens wherever they may be."

The Council of Europe now covers virtually the entire European continent with its 47 member countries. Founded in 1949 by 10 countries, the Council of Europe seeks to develop 'common and democratic principles' based on the European Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals.