Urinating mayor 'caught short' by police may face an investigation
John Finucane, who became Lord Mayor of Belfast in May, is standing in the general election for the North Belfast constituency.
Tuesday 26 November 2019 16:58, UK
The Lord Mayor of Belfast may be investigated after he was caught urinating in the street.
John Finucane, of the Sinn Fein party, has apologised and said he is "very embarrassed" after he was "caught short".
Northern Ireland's local government watchdog is considering a request to investigate the incident in Belfast city centre on 29 June.
Mr Finucane told The Belfast Telegraph he accepted a community resolution notice for indecent behaviour.
"I am of course very embarrassed and deeply sorry about this incident and I apologise unreservedly," he said.
The 39-year-old, who became Lord Mayor of Belfast in May, is standing in the general election for the North Belfast constituency.
The seat is expected to be a close race with DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds.
Mr Finucane said he was making his way home from a social event when he realised he didn't have the key to his office on Castle Street.
He said: "I tried to find somewhere as discreet as possible off the main street. Two police officers then approached me.
"I co-operated fully with police and accepted this community disposal."
Jim Allister, Traditional Unionist Voice party leader has requested an investigation to be carried out by Northern Ireland's local government commissioner for standards.
A spokesman for the commissioner said: "We have received an enquiry which is now being assessed under our normal procedures."
Police confirmed a 39-year-old man had been spoken to by police in Belfast city centre at about 10.30pm on 29 June and had been issued with a community resolution notice for indecent behaviour.
Belfast City Council has declined to comment on the matter.