Portrait of former Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker William Hay unveiled

The portrait of the former Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay, Lord Hay of Ballyore was unveiled today in Parliament Buildings. 

Painted in oil on canvas by local artist, Stephen Johnston, the portrait of Lord Hay, will join those of his predecessors, Eileen Bell and Lord Alderdice on public display in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings. 

Today’s unveiling ceremony was performed by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots.  

Following today’s event, Speaker Poots said: “I was delighted today, to unveil the official portrait of former Assembly Speaker, Lord Hay in Parliament Buildings. Lord Hay was the first Speaker to be elected by the Assembly itself and is the Assembly’s longest serving Speaker, in post from 2007 – 2014. 

“During his tenure, he was passionate about opening up Parliament Buildings to the public and spearheaded a number of important initiatives to encourage local people to actively engage with their Assembly. It is therefore very fitting that his portrait will now go on public display in the Great Hall.”

The Speaker continued: “The artwork on display in Parliament Buildings, has been tremendously well received as part of the visitor experience in Parliament Buildings, and records the parliamentary history of the building across all traditions.  

“The production of official portraits also provides an opportunity for Parliament Buildings to be a platform for local talent and I am pleased that we will be able to put this fine piece of work by Stephen Johnston on public display.” 

The Speaker concluded: “Lord Hay took office as Speaker in 2007 when devolution had been restored after many years of suspension.  His approach of seeing himself as a broker and a fixer to try to work with all of the parties to keep Assembly business running was important to our politics at that time. The many MLAs and staff present today is indeed testament to the respect held for him throughout the Assembly and beyond.”

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: "It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the Official Portrait of my friend and colleague, the former Speaker, Mr William Hay, Lord Hay of Ballyore. This was a special occasion at Stormont today with family, friends and colleagues in attendance."

Lord Hay was elected to Londonderry City Council in Northern Ireland in 1981 for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He served as Mayor in 1993 and Deputy Mayor in 1992. 

He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 for Foyle.

The Donegal born peer was elected Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly on May 8, 2007 following the restoration of devolution. He announced his retirement from the Northern Ireland Assembly as both MLA and Speaker in October 2014.