Alex Maskey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alex Maskey
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| 6th Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| In office 11 January 2020 – 3 February 2024 |
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| Deputy | Christopher Stalford Roy Beggs Jr Patsy McGlone |
| Preceded by | Robin Newton |
| Succeeded by | Edwin Poots |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Belfast West |
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| In office 3 November 2014 – 28 March 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Sue Ramsey |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Baker |
| In office 25 June 1998 – 28 April 2003 |
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| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | Fra McCann |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Belfast South |
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| In office 26 November 2003 – 22 October 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Monica McWilliams |
| Succeeded by | Máirtín Ó Muilleoir |
| 59th Lord Mayor of Belfast | |
| In office 1 June 2002 – 1 June 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Rodgers |
| Succeeded by | Martin Morgan |
| Member of Belfast City Council |
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| In office 7 June 2001 – 13 October 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Sean Hayes |
| Succeeded by | Deirdre Hargey |
| Constituency | Laganbank |
| In office 15 May 1985 – 7 June 2001 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Paul Maskey |
| Constituency | Upper Falls |
| In office June 1983 – 15 May 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Gerry Kelly |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Belfast Area D |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Forum for Belfast West |
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| In office 30 May 1996 – 25 April 1998 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 January 1952 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | None (Speaker) |
| Other political affiliations |
Sinn Féin (before 2020) |
| Spouse |
Liz McKee
(m. 1981) |
| Relations | Paul Maskey (brother) |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | Sinn Féin profile (archived 2007) |
Alex Maskey (born 8 January 1952) is a former politician from Ireland. He served as the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2020 to 2024. He was also the first person from the Sinn Féin political party to become Lord Mayor of Belfast, serving from 2002 to 2003.
Maskey was a long-serving councillor for Sinn Féin in Belfast. He also worked as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for different areas of Belfast. He retired from politics in early 2024.
Early Life and Background
Alex Maskey grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He went to St Malachy's College and later studied at the Belfast Institute for Further and Higher Education. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a labourer in the Belfast docks and as a barman. He was also a very good amateur boxer, winning most of his fights.
During the late 1960s, a period of conflict known as the Troubles began in Northern Ireland. Alex Maskey became involved in politics during this time.
Political Journey
Alex Maskey first tried to get elected to the Assembly in 1982 but was not successful. However, in June 1983, he won a special election. This made him the first member of Sinn Féin to be elected to Belfast City Council in many years. When he first entered the council meeting, some councillors were not happy and made noise.
Maskey became an important supporter of Gerry Adams, who was the leader of Sinn Féin. Because of his political work, he faced serious threats and attacks. Sadly, one of his friends was hurt during an attack at his home in 1993.
In 1996, Maskey was elected to the Northern Ireland Peace Forum. This forum was set up to discuss peace in Northern Ireland. Two years later, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This time, Sinn Féin decided to take part in the Assembly.
In 2002, Alex Maskey made history by becoming the first person from a republican background to serve as Lord Mayor of Belfast. As Lord Mayor, he took part in many important events. For example, he opened the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Church, even though he was not Presbyterian. He also showed a commitment to peace and understanding. In July 2002, he laid a wreath to remember British soldiers who died in the First World War. In his office, he displayed both the UK's Union Jack flag and the Irish tricolour flag side by side. This was seen as a sign of bringing different communities together.
Maskey continued to be elected to the Assembly, representing areas like South Belfast. In 2006, he was involved in peace talks that led to a ceasefire by a group in Spain called ETA. In 2007, he became a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, which helps oversee policing in Northern Ireland. In 2010, he left his role on Belfast City Council to focus fully on his work in the Assembly.
Role as Speaker
On 11 January 2020, when the Northern Ireland Assembly started working again, Alex Maskey was chosen to be the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Speaker is like the referee in a debate. They make sure that meetings run smoothly and that everyone follows the rules.
In September 2021, he announced that he would not run for re-election in the 2022 Assembly election. He said it had been an "honour" to represent the people. Michelle O'Neill, a leader in Sinn Féin, praised him. She said he was a "champion" for communities and showed great courage in his political career.
Even though he was not re-elected as an MLA in 2022, Alex Maskey continued to serve as Speaker. This was because other political parties could not agree on a new Speaker right away. He finally left the role of Speaker in early 2024 and retired from active politics.
Personal Life
Alex Maskey is married to Liz McKee, and they have been together since 1981. They have two sons.
In December 2005, Alex Maskey had a heart attack but recovered well. He later spoke on the radio about his health.
