Hay elected as speaker of new Northern Ireland Assembly

The new speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly will be the Democratic Unionist Party’s William Hay.

The Foyle representative was elected with unanimous cross-community support this morning.

In nominating him, DUP leader Ian Paisley said he would support a republican speaker in the next assembly campaign if party balance remained the same.

He said: "This is a proud day for the Hay family and in memory of their mother (Barbara, the first DUP representative in Co Derry).

“He is regarded well by Unionists and non-Unionists.”

Donegal-born Mr Hay has been instrumental in resolving loyal order parading disputes in Derry and played a prominent role in the Northern Ireland Policing Board which scrutinises the police.

He is seen as a conciliatory character by all sides.

He topped the poll in the last assembly elections in November in an overwhelmingly nationalist constituency.