Presiding Officer of the Northern Ireland Assembly

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly (originally having the title of Presiding Officer) is the presiding officer of the Northern Ireland Assembly, elected on a cross-community vote by the Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. A Principal Deputy Speaker and two Deputy Speakers are elected to help fulfil the role. The office of Speaker has been vacant since the resignation of William Hay from the position on 14 September 2014. Most of the duties of the office are currently being carried out by the Principal Deputy Speaker, Mitchel McLaughlin.