William Hay.
SDLP Derry MLA Pat Ramsey has paid tribute to William Hay after the DUP elected representative confirmed he was to leave the post of Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly andthe former Speaker has formally resigned from his position in the Assembly and as an MLA for Foyle.
In a letter read out at the Assembly this morning, Mr Hay said his decision to step aside was on health grounds.
Paying tribute, Mr Ramsey said he was confident Mr Hay would remain “actively involved” in civic life.
He said: “Willie Hay has made an immense contribution to civic life both in Derry and across the North.
“In his former role as a councillor, he was a fierce advocate for the people of this city and while we came from different traditions, I was always very happy to work alongside him and to later count him as a friend.
“His work, particularly toward achieving a resolution to parading, will long be remembered and respected.
“He brought his passion for the city to the Assembly following his election in 1998 and since the restoration of power sharing in 2007 he has served tirelessly as Speaker.
“I may not have always agreed with his rulings but there can be no doubt that he exercised his office robustly and with fairness.
“His attitude toward, and occasional scolding of, his own party colleagues demonstrates that he approached the difficult role with equality and parity of treatment at the core of all that he did.
“As he steps down from his position in the Assembly, I’m sure he will remain actively involved in civic life.
“He was hugely proud to have been nominated for a position in the House of Lords recently.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “And again, while we may have differing attitudes on that, I have no doubt that he will continue to act as an advocate for Derry and Northern Ireland.”
