Belfast City Council last night agreed in principle to a lasting monument to be erected to George Best outside City Hall. They postponed discussing what the monument should be so that members could first consult further with the Best family.
Unionist, SDLP and Sinn Féin councillors agreed that a statue or bust of the football legend, who died in November from multi-organ failure after a long battle with alcoholism, should be placed outside City Hall.
Further discussions on what would be a fitting memorial will take place with the Best family in the coming weeks, according to Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers who proposed the motion, which was seconded by Progressive Unionist Party member Hugh Smyth.
"This would be a fitting tribute to George, whom we both knew exceptionally well and also his father Dickie.
" At the end of the day it will be for the family to approve what type of statue or sculpture they want erected," said Mr Rodgers last night.
"I would hope it will be placed at the front of City Hall where most people, including tourists, can see it," he added.
It is expected that the monument, if finally approved by the Bests, would cost somewhere in the region of £100,000.