Willie Hay, Baron Hay of Ballyore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Hay of Ballyore
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Official portrait, 2022
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| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 16 December 2014 Life peerage |
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| 3rd Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| In office 8 May 2007 – 13 October 2014 |
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| Deputy | David McClarty (2007–11) Francie Molloy (2007–13) John Dallat (2007–14) Roy Beggs Jr (2011–14) Mitchel McLaughlin (2013–14) |
| Preceded by | Eileen Bell |
| Succeeded by | Mitchel McLaughlin |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Foyle |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 13 October 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency created |
| Succeeded by | Maurice Devenney |
| Mayor of Derry | |
| In office 1993–1994 |
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| Preceded by | Mary Bradley |
| Succeeded by | Annie Courtney |
| Deputy mayor of Derry | |
| In office 1992–1993 |
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| Member of Derry City Council |
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| In office 15 May 1985 – 5 May 2011 |
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| Preceded by | District established |
| Succeeded by | Gary Middleton |
| Constituency | Rural |
| In office 20 May 1981 – 15 May 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Craig |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Londonderry Area A |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 April 1950 Milford, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Spouses | Doris, Lady Hay of Ballyore (née McMorris) |
William Alexander Hay, Baron Hay of Ballyore (born 16 April 1950) is a well-known politician from Northern Ireland. He is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Since 2014, he has been a "life peer" in the House of Lords. This means he has a special title and can help make laws for the UK.
Before joining the House of Lords, William Hay was the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. He held this important job from 2007 to 2014. He was also a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for the area of Foyle. He served as an MLA from 1998 until 2014.
William Hay went to Faughan Valley High School in County Londonderry. He was born an Irish citizen. He has spoken about wanting to be recognized as a British citizen too.
Political Journey
William Hay started his political career in 1981. He was elected to the Londonderry City Council in Northern Ireland. He represented the Democratic Unionist Party.
He became the Deputy Mayor of Derry in 1992. The next year, in 1993, he served as the Mayor of Derry. These roles involved leading the local city government.
In 1998, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This is where laws are made for Northern Ireland. He also joined the Northern Ireland Housing Council. He became part of the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commission. In 2001, he joined the Northern Ireland Policing Board. This group helps oversee policing in Northern Ireland.
On 8 May 2007, William Hay was chosen as the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Speaker is like a referee in a debate. They make sure meetings run smoothly and fairly. He is also a member of the Orange Order and Apprentice Boys of Derry. These are cultural and historical organizations.
Stepping Down and New Role
On 6 October 2014, William Hay announced he would retire. He stepped down from his roles as an MLA and Speaker. He wanted to focus on his health. Mitchel McLaughlin took over as Speaker temporarily.
In August 2014, it was announced that William Hay would become a "life peer." This is a special honor. It means he would get a seat in the House of Lords in London. The House of Lords is part of the UK Parliament. He officially became Baron Hay of Ballyore on 16 December 2014. He chose to sit as a DUP member.
Nationality and Identity
William Hay was born in 1950 in Milford, County Donegal. This area is in the north of County Donegal. County Donegal is part of the Republic of Ireland. When he was six years old, his family moved to Derry in Northern Ireland.
He holds an Irish passport and is an Irish citizen. However, he sees himself as a British citizen. He has said he believes he should automatically be a British citizen. He has spoken about the cost and test required for people born in the Republic of Ireland to become British citizens. He feels this is unfair.
In January 2024, a new law was proposed. This law would allow people born in the Republic of Ireland after 1948 to register as British citizens. This applies if they have lived in Northern Ireland for more than five years. This change could make it easier for people like William Hay to get British citizenship.
See also
- British nationality law
- British nationality law and the Republic of Ireland
- Irish nationality law
