Statement from William Hay, MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Statement from William Hay, MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Commenting on the announcement today that he has been appointed to the House of Lords, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA said:

"I am delighted but humbled by today's announcement. When I first entered politics in Londonderry, I would never have imagined that I would have had the opportunities which have been presented to me, particularly in recent years. It has been a great privilege for me to have been able to serve all the people of Londonderry for over 35 years, a city which I am very proud to call home, and to have been able to serve the Northern Ireland Assembly as Speaker since 2007.

Both those roles have their challenges, and there certainly have been many times which have not been easy, but I am conscious that I could not have done them without the support of others, whether it be from family, friends, constituents, colleagues from my own party or indeed other parties, Assembly staff and many others. I take this appointment as a tribute to that support for which I am extremely grateful and I look forward to continuing to represent Londonderry and Northern Ireland in the House of Lords in the future."