Portrait of former Assembly Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin unveiled in Stormont

The portrait of former Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin was unveiled in Parliament Buildings today.

Painted in oil on canvas by local artist, Catherine Creaney, the portrait of Mr McLaughlin will join those of his predecessors, Eileen Bell, Lord Alderdice and Lord Hay which are on public display in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings. 

In January 2015, Mitchel McLaughlin was the first Nationalist/Republican member to be elected Speaker of the Assembly, a position he held until May 2016. 

During his time as Speaker, he promoted a ‘respect agenda’ which covered three priority areas: respect for the Assembly and in political discourse; respect for all parts of the community; and respect for history and remembrance. 

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

Following the event, the Assembly Speaker said: “Having served as a Member when Speaker McLaughlin was in the Chair, I have a very high regard for how he carried out his role, he had great authority and was utterly fair to Members across the House. 

"His time as a negotiator on behalf of his party meant he was well placed to work with Members of all parties and navigate the politics of the time.

“Underpinning his time as Speaker was his commitment to the value of ‘respect’ and his willingness to use opportunities to ensure different groups across society were acknowledged and respected by the Assembly.” 

The Speaker continued: “Assembly reform was also important for Speaker McLaughlin and he gave great support as Speaker to increasing the number of women represented in the Assembly and since his time, the Speaker’s Office has continued to hold an annual event to mark International Women’s Day.”

The Speaker concluded: “The artwork on display in the Great Hall and elsewhere in Parliament Buildings records the parliamentary history of the building across all traditions. 

"We know that visitors to Parliament Buildings really enjoy this part of the overall experience and I am pleased that this stunning piece by Catherine Creaney will go on public display from today.”