Change to Programme: Talking Heads: On Promoting Democracy

William Hay, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, has been announced as a speaker for the Talking Heads: On Promoting Democracy session on the opening day of the festival on Thursday, March 4^th.

Mr William Hay was elected Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly in May 2007. Mr Hay is the first Speaker to have been elected directly by the Members of the Assembly, his predecessors Lord Alderdice and Mrs Eileen Bell having been appointed by Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland.

His political career began with his election as a DUP representative to Derry City Council in 1981, in which he has served continuously since, and of which he was Deputy Mayor in 1992 and Mayor in 1993. He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly upon its establishment in 1998, representing the Foyle constituency, and has been returned to the Assembly at each election since then. His family has been well known in political circles in the North West for many years, with his sister and mother both serving on local council.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP is unable to appear at the festival as planned and will no longer be participating in the Promoting Democracy session.