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.