Opinion

Hay played a constructive role

THE role of Speaker in the Northern Ireland Assembly can often be a thankless one but William Hay has proved to be a capable and effective operator since he was first elected to the post in 2007.

Mr Hay also spent more than three decades as a respected DUP politician who played a particularly constructive role in helping to resolve tensions over parades in Derry.

He was appointed to the House of Lords in August and, after a period of illness, announced yesterday that he is to officially retire both as Speaker and a Foyle MLA from next Monday.

Mr Hay's reputation for fairness extended to both sides of the Stormont house and there will be a widespread hope that his contribution to public life can be resumed shortly.