A FORMER Lord Mayor of Belfast wants Belfast City Airport to be re-named as a permanent tribute to soccer star George Best.
Calling the airport George Best City Airport, Councillor Jim Rodgers said it would be a fitting memorial to the soccer great who was born and grew up in the east of the city.
He said it was important than any memorial would be easily accessible to everyone who wished to pay tribute to George Best.
"The airport is somewhere used by thousands of people arriving and leaving Northern Ireland, so re-naming the airport George Best City Airport, would be a constant reminder to everyone of our pride in George.
"George did not care about politics or religion and appealed to everone across the divide; so it's important that any memorial to him should be in a politically neutral environment that is used by people from all over the city, from all religions and backgrounds, such as the City Airport."
The East Belfast Councillor, a supporter of the City Airport's value to the local economy but also a strong voice for local residents who are worried by the Airport's growth, he said he intends to approach the Best family for
their opinion.
Added Councillor Rodgers: "I think it is important to respect the views of the Best family who have called for privacy to grieve, but following
George's funeral, I intend to speak to his father Dickie about whether he would be in favour of such a proposal.
"With the family's permission of course I would have no problem seeking a meeting with the Chief Executive of the City Airport to discuss whether this proposal can be carried forward."
Liverpool Airport of course was re-named John Lennon Airport after the famous Beatle and musician, but said Councillor Rodgers: "I can't see why we can't do the same thing for George, providing of course that his family and the Airport approve."
Local MP Peter Robinson is also in favour of something bearing the soccer superstar's name - but he favours a sports stadium to be called after the Province's greatest ever soccer star.