heading in there. as we have seen over the last 20 minutes also, the various different parties here coming down those stairs, we didn't hear specifically there from sinn fein, just looking over my shoulder, they have now headed in. and here is michelle o'neill coming down the stairs. brian, let's pick up there. we didn't hear anything. find brian, let's pick up there. we didn't hear anything.- brian, let's pick up there. we didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment— didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we _ didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we had _ didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we had today, - didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we had today, they i the moment we had today, they probably want to say what they have to say inside the chamber, get that business formalised, michelle o'neill, formalised and in that position of first minister, and then

i imagine they will speak to the media afterwards. i was saying earlier aboutjeffrey donaldson, it has been a big week for him and we have seen a differentjeffrey donaldson this week. we have seen a very bullish jeffrey donaldson this week. we have seen a very bullishjeffrey donaldson take on his critics, particularly within his own unionist community and his own party. his big challenge this week is, my achievements have been published, now let's see yours, published, now let's see yours, publish yours, and to that he held up publish yours, and to that he held up a blank sheet. so he has decided in the past couple of weeks that that negotiation had gone as far as it would go and, as i said earlier, it would go and, as i said earlier, it has been his week in terms of being on the stage in that one party negotiation with the uk government, it becomes michelle 0'neill�*s day. we're going to head inside the chamber and listening. i we're going to head inside the chamber and listening. i would ask for our chamber and listening. i would ask for your indulgence _ chamber and listening. i would ask for your indulgence for _ chamber and listening. i would ask for your indulgence for me - chamber and listening. i would ask for your indulgence for me to - chamber and listening. i would ask l for your indulgence for me to remain seated _

for your indulgence for me to remain seated for— for your indulgence for me to remain seated for this and for other items of business. thank you. members, this is_ of business. thank you. members, this is the — of business. thank you. members, this is the sixth occasion that i have _ this is the sixth occasion that i have sat — this is the sixth occasion that i have satin _ this is the sixth occasion that i have sat in this chair in the capacity— have sat in this chair in the capacity of adding speaker at a session— capacity of adding speaker at a session of this assembly, convened for the _ session of this assembly, convened for the purpose of attempting to elect _ for the purpose of attempting to elect a _ for the purpose of attempting to elect a permanent speaker into the post _ elect a permanent speaker into the post it _ elect a permanent speaker into the post it has — elect a permanent speaker into the post. it has been both a personal privilege — post. it has been both a personal privilege and an honour to perform this duty— privilege and an honour to perform this duty on — privilege and an honour to perform this duty on your behalf. i concede that it _ this duty on your behalf. i concede that it has — this duty on your behalf. i concede that it has taken me some time to help in— that it has taken me some time to help in a _ that it has taken me some time to help in a small way to try and deiiver— help in a small way to try and deliver a _ help in a small way to try and deliver a successful outcome. however. _ deliver a successful outcome. however, i am confident that today will he _ however, i am confident that today will he the — however, i am confident that today will be the day that i can finally pick up — will be the day that i can finally pick up my p4 t5 —— p 45 and end my

time— pick up my p4 t5 —— p 45 and end my time as— pick up my p4 t5 —— p 45 and end my time as deputy speaker. given the budgetary— time as deputy speaker. given the budgetary restraints, i'm not expecting a gold watch! i understand i expecting a gold watch! i understand i may— expecting a gold watch! i understand i may have _ expecting a gold watch! i understand i may have set a bit of an assembly history— i may have set a bit of an assembly history by— i may have set a bit of an assembly history by setting an unwanted record — history by setting an unwanted record for the number of attempts and acting — record for the number of attempts and acting speaker has made to complete — and acting speaker has made to complete the task of actually electing a speaker. my personal hope is that— electing a speaker. my personal hope is that this _ electing a speaker. my personal hope is that this unwanted record will remain— is that this unwanted record will remain unbroken in the future, as it would _ remain unbroken in the future, as it would mean — remain unbroken in the future, as it would mean once again, we have deprived — would mean once again, we have deprived people that we represent of the governance that they entrust us to deliver— the governance that they entrust us to deliver in its place. i wish to place _ to deliver in its place. i wish to place on — to deliver in its place. i wish to place on record my thanks to you all for your— place on record my thanks to you all for your co—operation and patience with me _ for your co—operation and patience with me during this lengthy process and also _ with me during this lengthy process and also for the assistance and

sopport— and also for the assistance and support that i have received from the assembly staff in performing this duty — the assembly staff in performing this duty. thank you. the speaker has summoned the assembly to meet today and _ has summoned the assembly to meet today and i_ has summoned the assembly to meet today and i welcome him in the chamber— today and i welcome him in the chamber this afternoon as we come together— chamber this afternoon as we come together to elect his successor. mr speaker, _ together to elect his successor. mr speaker, you have exercised your authority— speaker, you have exercised your authority in — speaker, you have exercised your authority in this chamber with integrity— authority in this chamber with integrity and impartiality and more patients— integrity and impartiality and more patients and we often deserve. we wish you _ patients and we often deserve. we wish you well for your retirement. the first— wish you well for your retirement. the first item of business today is the election of the speaker. section 30 9-1— the election of the speaker. section 30 9-1 of— the election of the speaker. section 30 9—1 of the northern ireland act provides— 30 9—1 of the northern ireland act provides that each assembly shall, as it first— provides that each assembly shall,

as it first business, elect a presiding officer and deputies. therefore the assembly cannot conduct — therefore the assembly cannot conduct any further business until a speaker— conduct any further business until a speaker and at least two deputy speakers — speaker and at least two deputy speakers have been elected. members should _ speakers have been elected. members should he _ speakers have been elected. members should be clear, about the election of a speaker should be clear, about the election ofa speakerand should be clear, about the election of a speaker and two deputies, no further— of a speaker and two deputies, no further business can proceed. i wish to advise _ further business can proceed. i wish to advise members that be election of the _ to advise members that be election of the speaker will be conducted under— of the speaker will be conducted under the — of the speaker will be conducted under the procedure set out in standing — under the procedure set out in standing order four, further to standing — standing order four, further to standing order four, further to standing order 42. standing order four, further to standing order42. i standing order four, further to standing order 42. i am the acting speaker— standing order 42. i am the acting speaker today for the purpose of electing — speaker today for the purpose of electing a — speaker today for the purpose of electing a speaker. my soul responsibility is to preside over the election of a new speak out. and i will the election of a new speak out. and i will not _ the election of a new speak out. and i will not he — the election of a new speak out. and i will not be taking any points of order— i will not be taking any points of order that — i will not be taking any points of order that do not relate to that specific— order that do not relate to that specific matter. i will begin by asking — specific matter. i will begin by asking for nominations. any member

may rise _ asking for nominations. any member may rise to— asking for nominations. any member may rise to propose that another member— may rise to propose that another member is— may rise to propose that another member is elected as speaker. i will then ask— member is elected as speaker. i will then ask for— member is elected as speaker. i will then ask for the proposal to be seconded — then ask for the proposal to be seconded by another member, as required — seconded by another member, as required by standing order 14. i will then— required by standing order 14. i will then verify that the member seconded — will then verify that the member seconded is willing to accept the nomination. after that, seconded is willing to accept the nomination. afterthat, i seconded is willing to accept the nomination. after that, iwill ask for further— nomination. after that, iwill ask for further proposals and follow the same _ for further proposals and follow the same procedure for each. when it appears _ same procedure for each. when it appears that there are no further proposals, — appears that there are no further proposals, i will make it clear that the time _ proposals, i will make it clear that the time for proposals has passed. if members indicate that they wish to speak, — if members indicate that they wish to speak, a — if members indicate that they wish to speak, a debate relevant to the election— to speak, a debate relevant to the election may then take place during which _ election may then take place during which members will have up to five minutes— which members will have up to five minutes to — which members will have up to five minutes to speak. at the conclusion of the _ minutes to speak. at the conclusion of the debate over conclusion of the nominations, if there are no reguests _ nominations, if there are no requests to speak, i shall put the question— requests to speak, i shall put the question that the member first

proposed shall be speaker of this assembly. the vote will be on a cross _ assembly. the vote will be on a cross community basis, if the proposal— cross community basis, if the proposal is not carried, i shall put the question in relation to the next nominee _ the question in relation to the next nominee and so on until all nominations are exhausted. once a speaker— nominations are exhausted. once a speaker is — nominations are exhausted. once a speaker is elected, all other nominations will fall automatically. do i nominations will fall automatically. do i have _ nominations will fall automatically. do i have any proposals for the office _ do i have any proposals for the office of— do i have any proposals for the office of speaker of this assembly? i office of speaker of this assembly? i nominate — office of speaker of this assembly? i nominate evan coutts, mla. do we have a second — i nominate evan coutts, mla. do we have a second that _ i nominate evan coutts, mla. do we have a second that proposal. - i nominate evan coutts, mla. do we have a second that proposal. mr - have a second that proposal. mr pitts, _ have a second that proposal. mr pitts, are — have a second that proposal. mr pitts, are you happy to accept the nomination? | pitts, are you happy to accept the nomination?—

pitts, are you happy to accept the nomination?- mr _ pitts, are you happy to accept the nomination?- mr o'toole. i you happy to accept the nomination? are there _ you happy to accept the nomination? are there any— you happy to accept the nomination? are there any other _ you happy to accept the nomination? are there any other nominations? - you happy to accept the nomination? are there any other nominations? mrj are there any other nominations? mr stuart? _ are there any other nominations? mr stuart? ., ,, ~ ~ are there any other nominations? mr stuart? ., ,, ~ ., , . stuart? doctor steve aitken, mla. does that nomination _ stuart? doctor steve aitken, mla. does that nomination have - stuart? doctor steve aitken, mla. does that nomination have a - stuart? doctor steve aitken, mla. . does that nomination have a seconder aye seconded. are you happy to accept _ aye seconded. are you happy to accept that nomination? | aye seconded. are you happy to accept that nomination? i am happy to acce -t accept that nomination? i am happy to accept that _ accept that nomination? i am happy to accept that nomination. - accept that nomination? i am happy to accept that nomination. of - accept that nomination? i am happy to accept that nomination. of any i to accept that nomination. of any other nominations? _ to accept that nomination. of any other nominations? -- _ to accept that nomination. of any other nominations? -- are - to accept that nomination. of any other nominations? -- are there| to accept that nomination. of any i other nominations? -- are there any other nominations? —— are there any other— other nominations? —— are there any other nominations? —— are there any other nominations? the time for proposals — other nominations? the time for proposals has expired. a number of members _ proposals has expired. a number of members have indicated that they wish to— members have indicated that they wish to speak. i would remind members _ wish to speak. i would remind members they may speak only once in the course _ members they may speak only once in the course of— members they may speak only once in the course of the debate and members

have up— the course of the debate and members have up to _ the course of the debate and members have up to five minutes in which to speak _ have up to five minutes in which to speak i_ have up to five minutes in which to speak. i caught sinead guinness. can i 'ust sa speak. i caught sinead guinness. ijust say how speak. i caught sinead guinness. can ijust say how good it is to be back in this— ijust say how good it is to be back in this chamber— ijust say how good it is to be back in this chamber actually _ ijust say how good it is to be back in this chamber actually doing - in this chamber actually doing business _ in this chamber actually doing business that— in this chamber actually doing business that people - in this chamber actually doing business that people elected i in this chamber actually doing l business that people elected us in this chamber actually doing - business that people elected us to do? if— business that people elected us to do? if you — business that people elected us to do? if you will— business that people elected us to do? if you will indulge _ business that people elected us to do? if you will indulge me, - business that people elected us to do? if you will indulge me, i- business that people elected us to| do? if you will indulge me, i would like to— do? if you will indulge me, i would like to take — do? if you will indulge me, i would like to take this _ do? if you will indulge me, i would like to take this opportunity- do? if you will indulge me, i would like to take this opportunity to - do? if you will indulge me, i would like to take this opportunity to say| like to take this opportunity to say a few— like to take this opportunity to say a few wordss — like to take this opportunity to say a few wordss of _ like to take this opportunity to say a few wordss of thanks _ like to take this opportunity to say a few wordss of thanks to - like to take this opportunity to say a few wordss of thanks to my- a few wordss of thanks to my colleague _ a few wordss of thanks to my colleague alex _ a few wordss of thanks to my colleague alex maskey. - a few wordss of thanks to myi colleague alex maskey. when a few wordss of thanks to my- colleague alex maskey. when michelle 0'neill_ colleague alex maskey. when michelle o'neill nominated _ colleague alex maskey. when michelle o'neill nominated alex _ colleague alex maskey. when michelle o'neill nominated alex three - colleague alex maskey. when michelle o'neill nominated alex three years - o'neill nominated alex three years a-o, o'neill nominated alex three years ago. she _ o'neill nominated alex three years ago. she did — o'neill nominated alex three years ago. she did so— o'neill nominated alex three years ago, she did so in _ o'neill nominated alex three years ago, she did so in the _ o'neill nominated alex three years ago, she did so in the knowledge l o'neill nominated alex three yearsl ago, she did so in the knowledge he would _ ago, she did so in the knowledge he would carry— ago, she did so in the knowledge he would carry out— ago, she did so in the knowledge he would carry out his _ ago, she did so in the knowledge he would carry out his role _ ago, she did so in the knowledge he would carry out his role will- would carry out his role will determine _ would carry out his role willj determine professionalism, would carry out his role will- determine professionalism, treating all with— determine professionalism, treating all with impartiality— determine professionalism, treating all with impartiality and _ determine professionalism, treating all with impartiality and respect, - all with impartiality and respect, and he _ all with impartiality and respect, and he has — all with impartiality and respect, and he has certainly— all with impartiality and respect, and he has certainly lived - all with impartiality and respect, and he has certainly lived up - all with impartiality and respect, and he has certainly lived up to. and he has certainly lived up to that _ and he has certainly lived up to that his — and he has certainly lived up to that. his decision— and he has certainly lived up to that. his decision to _ and he has certainly lived up to that. his decision to retire - and he has certainly lived up to| that. his decision to retire from front— that. his decision to retire from front line — that. his decision to retire from front line politics _ that. his decision to retire from front line politics is _ that. his decision to retire from front line politics is a _ that. his decision to retire from front line politics is a huge - that. his decision to retire from front line politics is a huge loss| front line politics is a huge loss to this — front line politics is a huge loss to this institution _ front line politics is a huge loss to this institution and - front line politics is a huge loss to this institution and speaking | front line politics is a huge loss i to this institution and speaking to assembly— to this institution and speaking to assembly staff _ to this institution and speaking to assembly staff over— to this institution and speaking to assembly staff over the - to this institution and speaking to assembly staff over the last - to this institution and speaking to i assembly staff over the last number of days, _ assembly staff over the last number of days, they — assembly staff over the last number of days. they have _ assembly staff over the last number of days, they have been _ assembly staff over the last number of days, they have been glowing - assembly staff over the last number of days, they have been glowing in i of days, they have been glowing in their genuine — of days, they have been glowing in their genuine appreciation - of days, they have been glowing in their genuine appreciation for- of days, they have been glowing in their genuine appreciation for his i their genuine appreciation for his steady— their genuine appreciation for his steady presence _ their genuine appreciation for his steady presence and _ their genuine appreciation for his steady presence and guidance i

their genuine appreciation for his - steady presence and guidance during this difficult — steady presence and guidance during this difficult and _ steady presence and guidance during this difficult and uncertain _ steady presence and guidance during this difficult and uncertain period - this difficult and uncertain period we have — this difficult and uncertain period we have just _ this difficult and uncertain period we have just come _ this difficult and uncertain period we have just come through. - this difficult and uncertain period we have just come through. butl we have just come through. but nowhere — we have just come through. but nowhere will _ we have just come through. but nowhere will alex's _ we have just come through. but nowhere will alex's lost - we have just come through. but nowhere will alex's lost be - we have just come through. buti nowhere will alex's lost be more keenly _ nowhere will alex's lost be more keenly felt — nowhere will alex's lost be more keenly felt than _ nowhere will alex's lost be more keenly felt than in _ nowhere will alex's lost be more keenly felt than in his _ nowhere will alex's lost be more j keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn _ keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn fein— keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn fein and _ keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn fein and the _ keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn fein and the party- keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn fein and the party as - keenly felt than in his colleagues in sinn fein and the party as a i in sinn fein and the party as a whole — in sinn fein and the party as a whole alex— in sinn fein and the party as a whole. alex was _ in sinn fein and the party as a whole. alex was a _ in sinn fein and the party as a whole. alex was a trailblazerl in sinn fein and the party as a i whole. alex was a trailblazer for our party, — whole. alex was a trailblazer for our party. the _ whole. alex was a trailblazer for our party, the first _ whole. alex was a trailblazer for our party, the first sinn- whole. alex was a trailblazer for our party, the first sinn fein - our party, the first sinn fein member— our party, the first sinn fein memberof— our party, the first sinn fein member of belfast- our party, the first sinn fein member of belfast city- our party, the first sinn fein i member of belfast city council our party, the first sinn fein - member of belfast city council and the first— member of belfast city council and the first republican _ member of belfast city council and the first republican mayor- member of belfast city council and the first republican mayor in - member of belfast city council and the first republican mayor in the i the first republican mayor in the history— the first republican mayor in the history of— the first republican mayor in the history of belfast. _ the first republican mayor in the history of belfast. he _ the first republican mayor in the history of belfast. he has - the first republican mayor in the history of belfast. he has been. the first republican mayor in the history of belfast. he has been a constant — history of belfast. he has been a constant presence _ history of belfast. he has been a constant presence in _ history of belfast. he has been a constant presence in the - history of belfast. he has been a. constant presence in the decades, whether— constant presence in the decades, whether the — constant presence in the decades, whether the good _ constant presence in the decades, whether the good friday- constant presence in the decades, i whether the good friday negotiations over subsequent _ whether the good friday negotiations over subsequent rounds— whether the good friday negotiations over subsequent rounds of— over subsequent rounds of negotiations _ over subsequent rounds of negotiations. alex - over subsequent rounds of negotiations. alex was - over subsequent rounds of. negotiations. alex was always over subsequent rounds of- negotiations. alex was always there and always — negotiations. alex was always there and always a — negotiations. alex was always there and always a key— negotiations. alex was always there and always a key figure, _ negotiations. alex was always there and always a key figure, bringing. and always a key figure, bringing experience — and always a key figure, bringing experience and _ and always a key figure, bringing experience and maturity - and always a key figure, bringing experience and maturity and - and always a key figure, bringing| experience and maturity and also and always a key figure, bringing i experience and maturity and also a fierce _ experience and maturity and also a fierce commitment _ experience and maturity and also a fierce commitment to _ experience and maturity and also a fierce commitment to equality - experience and maturity and also a fierce commitment to equality and | experience and maturity and also a i fierce commitment to equality and a tireless— fierce commitment to equality and a tireless determination _ fierce commitment to equality and a tireless determination to _ fierce commitment to equality and a tireless determination to make - tireless determination to make politics— tireless determination to make politics with _ tireless determination to make politics with everyone. - tireless determination to make politics with everyone. that - tireless determination to makel politics with everyone. that has been _ politics with everyone. that has been the — politics with everyone. that has been the hallmark— politics with everyone. that has been the hallmark of— politics with everyone. that has been the hallmark of an - politics with everyone. that has i been the hallmark of an incredible and unique — been the hallmark of an incredible and unique career— been the hallmark of an incredible and unique career in _ been the hallmark of an incredible and unique career in the _ been the hallmark of an incredible and unique career in the service i been the hallmark of an incrediblej and unique career in the service of people _ and unique career in the service of people i_ and unique career in the service of people i know— and unique career in the service of people i know alex _ and unique career in the service of people i know alex was _ and unique career in the service of people i know alex was honouredl and unique career in the service of. people i know alex was honoured to represent _ people i know alex was honoured to represent i— people i know alex was honoured to represent igrew— people i know alex was honoured to represent. i grew up _ people i know alex was honoured to represent. i grew up looking - people i know alex was honoured to represent. ! grew up looking up- people i know alex was honoured to represent. i grew up looking up to l represent. i grew up looking up to alex and _ represent. i grew up looking up to alex and watching _ represent. i grew up looking up to alex and watching him _ represent. i grew up looking up to alex and watching him and - represent. i grew up looking up to alex and watching him and others| alex and watching him and others guide _ alex and watching him and others guide our— alex and watching him and others guide our society— alex and watching him and others guide our society towards - alex and watching him and others guide our society towards peace l alex and watching him and others i guide our society towards peace and

equality _ guide our society towards peace and equality. and — guide our society towards peace and equality. and my— guide our society towards peace and equality. and my younger— guide our society towards peace and equality. and my younger self- guide our society towards peace and equality. and my younger self really 'ust equality. and my younger self really just could _ equality. and my younger self really just could not — equality. and my younger self really just could not comprehend - equality. and my younger self really just could not comprehend that - equality. and my younger self really just could not comprehend that i - just could not comprehend that i would _ just could not comprehend that i would one — just could not comprehend that i would one day— just could not comprehend that i would one day have _ just could not comprehend that i would one day have the - just could not comprehend that i j would one day have the privilege just could not comprehend that i i would one day have the privilege of standing _ would one day have the privilege of standing here — would one day have the privilege of standing here wishing _ would one day have the privilege of standing here wishing him - would one day have the privilege of standing here wishing him well- would one day have the privilege of standing here wishing him well as. would one day have the privilege of. standing here wishing him well as he takes _ standing here wishing him well as he takes a _ standing here wishing him well as he takes a step— standing here wishing him well as he takes a step back _ standing here wishing him well as he takes a step back from _ standing here wishing him well as he takes a step back from the _ standing here wishing him well as he takes a step back from the front - takes a step back from the front line of— takes a step back from the front line of political— takes a step back from the front line of political life. _ takes a step back from the front line of political life. but - takes a step back from the front line of political life. but my- takes a step back from the fronti line of political life. but my mind would _ line of political life. but my mind would egually— line of political life. but my mind would equally be _ line of political life. but my mind would equally be just _ line of political life. but my mind would equally be just as - line of political life. but my mind would equally be just as going i line of political life. but my mind would equally be just as going to think— would equally be just as going to think that — would equally be just as going to think that i — would equally be just as going to think that i would _ would equally be just as going to think that i would have _ would equally be just as going to think that i would have the - think that i would have the opportunity— think that i would have the opportunity to— think that i would have the opportunity to work- think that i would have the opportunity to work with i think that i would have the - opportunity to work with alex, but that i_ opportunity to work with alex, but that i would — opportunity to work with alex, but that i would have _ opportunity to work with alex, but that i would have even _ opportunity to work with alex, but that i would have even greater- that i would have even greater honour— that i would have even greater honour to _ that i would have even greater honour to call _ that i would have even greater honour to call alex _ that i would have even greater honour to call alex a - that i would have even greater honour to call alex a friend. i that i would have even greater. honour to call alex a friend. your retirement— honour to call alex a friend. your retirement is— honour to call alex a friend. your retirement is well— honour to call alex a friend. your retirement is well earned, - honour to call alex a friend. your retirement is well earned, alex, i honour to call alex a friend. your. retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm sure _ retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm sure i_ retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm sure i speak— retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm sure i speak on— retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm sure i speak on behalf— retirement is well earned, alex, and i'm sure i speak on behalf of- i'm sure i speak on behalf of everyone _ i'm sure i speak on behalf of everyone in— i'm sure i speak on behalf of everyone in this _ i'm sure i speak on behalf of everyone in this chamber- i'm sure i speak on behalf of. everyone in this chamber when i'm sure i speak on behalf of- everyone in this chamber when i say i everyone in this chamber when i say i wish _ everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you. — everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you. liz— everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you, liz and _ everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you, liz and the _ everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you, liz and the rest - everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you, liz and the rest of- everyone in this chamber when i say i wish you, liz and the rest of your i iwish you, liz and the rest of your family— i wish you, liz and the rest of your family every— i wish you, liz and the rest of your family every happiness _ i wish you, liz and the rest of your family every happiness in - i wish you, liz and the rest of your family every happiness in the - i wish you, liz and the rest of yourl family every happiness in the years ahead _ family every happiness in the years ahead miss — family every happiness in the years ahead. miss acting _ family every happiness in the years ahead. miss acting speaker, - family every happiness in the years ahead. miss acting speaker, in- family every happiness in the yearsj ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same _ ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit. — ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit. can— ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit, can i— ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit, can ijust _ ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit, can ijust say- ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit, can ijust say i - ahead. miss acting speaker, in that same spirit, can ijust say i would l same spirit, can ijust say i would like to— same spirit, can ijust say i would like to wish— same spirit, can ijust say i would like to wish look— same spirit, can ijust say i would like to wish look to _ same spirit, can ijust say i would like to wish look to the _ same spirit, can ijust say i would like to wish look to the new- same spirit, can ijust say i would i like to wish look to the new speaker today, _ like to wish look to the new speaker today. always — like to wish look to the new speaker today. always a _ like to wish look to the new speaker today, always a challenging - like to wish look to the new speaker today, always a challenging role - like to wish look to the new speaker| today, always a challenging role and they have _ today, always a challenging role and they have all — today, always a challenging role and they have all our _ today, always a challenging role and they have all our good _ today, always a challenging role and they have all our good wishes. - today, always a challenging role and they have all our good wishes. will. they have all our good wishes. will be a challenging _ they have all our good wishes. will be a challenging time _ they have all our good wishes. will be a challenging time ahead - they have all our good wishes. will be a challenging time ahead as- they have all our good wishes. willl be a challenging time ahead as they steer us— be a challenging time ahead as they steer us through _ be a challenging time ahead as they steer us through the _ be a challenging time ahead as they steer us through the many - be a challenging time ahead as they steer us through the many debatesl steer us through the many debates and issues — steer us through the many debates and issues we _ steer us through the many debates and issues we have _ steer us through the many debates and issues we have to _ steer us through the many debates and issues we have to go _ steer us through the many debates and issues we have to go through i steer us through the many debatesl and issues we have to go through in the years— and issues we have to go through in

the years ahead _ and issues we have to go through in the years ahead. mr— and issues we have to go through in the years ahead.— the years ahead. mr stuart dixon. thank you _ the years ahead. mr stuart dixon. thank you. today _ the years ahead. mr stuart dixon. thank you. today indeed - the years ahead. mr stuart dixon. thank you. today indeed marks i the years ahead. mr stuart dixon. thank you. today indeed marks a | the years ahead. mr stuart dixon. - thank you. today indeed marks a new chapter for this assembly, but also the end of an era as alex maskey finally gets to retire after 26 years in the assembly and four years as speaker. during that time, he has shown leadership in extending the hand of friendship to those of different backgrounds. indeed, as has been remarked, the first sinn fein councillor in belfast since the 19205, he went on to become the first sinn fein lord mayor, which created headlines, but also choosing the opening of the opening —— the opening of presbyterian assembly was a first. for a opening of presbyterian assembly was a first. fora member of opening of presbyterian assembly was a first. for a member of sinn fein to do so in 2000 was a big event, as were his dealings with the royal family following passing of her

majesty queen elizabeth ii. it was clear alex maskey was prepared to represent the office of speaker with impartiality and integrity. many of our young citizens across northern ireland will remember him fondly for different reasons, left with no mlas to fill this building, he sees this opportunity to develop the space to develop both the northern irish assembly and disability assembly, providing an opportunity for voices not often heard in this chamber. 0n not often heard in this chamber. on behalf of the alliance party, i wish him a very happy retirement, although he misses sparring in the chamber too much, maybe he could attend his boxing routes, he only lost four of his fights! perhaps we won a few more political fights that he did but we will leave that up to the history books and writers to decide. 0ne the history books and writers to decide. one thing we can be sure about is history will remember him as a fair and impartial speaker who steered this chamber through many

difficult and momentous occasions. finally, acting speaker, to say the alliance party will be happy to support all other nominations that have been made today for the position of speaker, as we have done through all of the records of this assembly. i’d through all of the records of this assembl . �* i stand primarily to support the nomination for doctor steve aitken, an exceptional candidate that will be fair— an exceptional candidate that will be fair and robust, an exceptional candidate that will be fairand robust, i believe, and i think— be fairand robust, i believe, and i think if— be fairand robust, i believe, and i think if he — be fairand robust, i believe, and i think if he can get that cross community vote, he will add value to what we _ community vote, he will add value to what we have here within the house and on _ what we have here within the house and on this— what we have here within the house and on this floor. as what we have here within the house and on this floor. its a what we have here within the house and on this floor.— and on this floor. as a leader of the ulster _ and on this floor. as a leader of the ulster unionist _ and on this floor. as a leader of the ulster unionist party, - and on this floor. as a leader of the ulster unionist party, it - and on this floor. as a leader of i the ulster unionist party, it would be remiss of me not to look to the outgoing... brute be remiss of me not to look to the outgoing - -— outgoing... we will stick to this covera . e outgoing... we will stick to this coverage from _ outgoing... we will stick to this coverage from inside _ outgoing... we will stick to this coverage from inside the - outgoing... we will stick to this i coverage from inside the chamber. outgoing... we will stick to this - coverage from inside the chamber. i have been lewis vaughanjones for bbc news, thank you for sticking with us. i will hand over to our

colleagues from bbc northern ireland to take us through the historic moments ahead. hello and welcome to our special coverage of stormont�*s return. devolution is back ministers will take up office and it is a significant moment in history as the first republican first minister takes office, so we have a busy few hours ahead. as you join us, mlas are currently back in the chamber and we will go live there throughout the programme to bring you all the key moments as proceedings unfold. 0ur political editor will be joining us live from stormont great hall and i'm joined in studio by a panel of

experts and commentators to guidance