Belfast councillors have overturned a decision banning the five daughters of the late Gerry Fitt from holding a commemoration service for their father at Belfast City Hall.
The council's policy and resources committee had turned down a request from the family of the former SDLP leader, who died in August, to hold a commemoration service. The decision was taken on the basis that official rules did not allow for such memorial services.
The decision not only caused great annoyance and upset to the Fitt family but irritated members of the public as well. His funeral service was held at Westminster Cathedral, with the family hoping they could also hold a commemoration in Belfast.
SDLP Assembly member for North Belfast Alban Maginness tabled a motion on Monday to overturn the original decision. This was adopted with the support of the SDLP, Sinn Féin and the DUP.
He said: "We are commemorating a distinguished member of the city council and it's appropriate given the service he gave to Belfast."
