William Hay: stepping down as Speaker of Assembly.
The DUP’s William Hay is to retire as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly as a Derry MLA next week.
In a letter read out by in the Assembly this morning, he said he had hoped to announce his decision in person but could not attend because of ill-health.
Mr Hay asked Assembly members to consider how he should be replaced.
Sinn Féin’s Mitchel McLaughlin, from Derry, took on the role last month in a temporary capacity.
Mr Hay was elected Speaker in May 2007.
Mr Hay had been due to leave the post after becoming a member of the House of Lords in August.
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