In Northern Ireland, the office of Mayor or Lord Mayor had long been ceremonial posts, with little or no duties attached to it. The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 provides that one councillor shall be Chairman and one Vice Chairman. A council may under the legislation petition the Government for a charter, which has the effect of making a district council a borough council. A council with a charter is extended several ceremonial rights including the right to appoint councillors aldermen, the right of councillors to wear robes as well as the right to a borough Mayor and Deputy Mayor.