APN 28 - 22/27: All Party Notice regarding tributes to Lord Trimble, Former First Minister

Following the passing of the former First Minister, Lord Trimble, the Speaker has invited Members to gather in the Assembly Chamber at noon on Tuesday 2 August 2022 in order to pay their tributes and express condolences. The Speaker will lead Members in making these tributes before providing an opportunity for other Members to do so.

Party leaders present will be invited to speak for up to five minutes.  The Speaker will then call Members as they rise in their places to speak for up to three minutes in order to give time for as many contributions as possible.

The public gallery will be open during this time.

This opportunity for tributes and condolences is not a sitting of the Assembly. It will not therefore commence with Prayers and there will be no order paper.

After the tributes have concluded, the Speaker will ask Members to stand for a minute’s silence.  The Speaker will then close the tributes and proceed with party leaders to the Great Hall to open a book of condolence.  After Members have had an opportunity to sign the book of condolence, it will then be open to Assembly, Members’ and party staff, and visitors to the building. 

Once Members have had the opportunity to sign, the book of condolence will be available to sign in the Great Hall between 2:30pm and 4:00pm on Tuesday 2 August and between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Wednesday 3 August, Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August.