Ulster University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Mitchel McLaughlin at the Millenium Forum in Derry~Londonderry, the first honorary doctorate of the summer 2025 graduation season, an award being made jointly with Lord William Hay.
Both former Speakers for the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mitchel and Lord Hay are being recognised for the important work they each undertook during their tenures in the role, and for their efforts to develop political consensus and peace building.
Mitchel was elected to the NI Assembly when it was established in 1998, representing the Foyle Constituency. He was subsequently returned to the Assembly as a Member for the South Antrim Constituency in 2007 and again in 2011.
He was then was elected as Principal Deputy Speaker by Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2013, and then, in January 2015, was elected as Speaker of the Assembly, a position he held until May 2016.
During his time as Speaker, Mitchel 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.
Lord William Hay will receive his award at a graduation ceremony in the future.
