3 September 2013 Last updated at 03:27 ET <\/p>\n
Plans to give singer Van Morrison the freedom of Belfast have moved a step closer. <\/p>\n
A proposal to grant the honour to the 68-year-old passed without comment during a meeting of the city council. <\/p>\n
Members are expected to approve the move during a specially-convened sitting later this month. <\/p>\n
Speaking afterwards, the DUP's Gavin Robinson said the east Belfast musician had made an outstanding contribution to civic life. <\/p>\n
He said: \"Van Morrison has projected a positive image for the city of Belfast through difficult decades with outstanding musical creativity.\" <\/p>\n
I can think of no better individual, who poetically paints a majestic vision of the area I live, love and have the privilege to represent, to receive the honour of freedom <\/p>\n
Mr Robinson nominated Morrison for the accolade - the highest a council can bestow. <\/p>\n
In his nomination letter, Mr Robinson said: \"I can think of no better individual, who poetically paints a majestic vision of the area I live, love and have the privilege to represent, to receive the honour of freedom. <\/p>\n
\"From humble beginnings, living just behind 'the bright side of the road', Van has rightly achieved international acclaim.\" <\/p>\n
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The rest is here: 3 September 2013 Last updated at 03:27 ET Plans to give singer Van Morrison the freedom of Belfast have moved a step closer. A proposal to grant the honour to the 68-year-old passed without comment during a meeting of the city council. Members are expected to approve the move during a specially-convened sitting later this month Continue reading
\nCity freedom plans for Van Morrison<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"