IRISH political figures, including the Republican Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast, Mairtín O Muilleoir, attended Remembrance commemorations in both jurisdictions on Sunday.

Mr O Muilleoir stood with the Deputy Lord Mayor and DUP councillor Chris Stalford for the Armistice Day event at the cenotaph at Belfast City Hall. His presence, and that of the leader of the SDLP, Dr Alasdair McDonnell, at a service in Stormont, were welcomed by the Ulster Unionist leader, Mike Nesbitt.

Such gestures were important, he said, "at a time when a generosity of spirit will be required from all political leaders if we are to succeed in our current efforts to reach agreement on the difficult issues under consideration".

Sinn Fein's Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, said that the Mayor was to be commended for his attendance.

Mr O Muilleoir said that it was perhaps the most difficult thing he had done in 30 years of political activity.