Well-wishers hope for speedy recovery as Hay in hospital

The Sentinel understands Mr Hay’s condition is not believed to be serious but that he’s been taken in for tests.

His colleagues at Stormont wished him well in his recovery as tributes were paid to his former party leader Ian Paisley at Stormont on Monday (September 15).

Principal Deputy Speaker and fellow citizen, Mitchel McLaughlin, told the Assembly: “I wish to inform the House that the Speaker has asked me to convey his apologies that he is unable to be here due to ill health.

“Members will appreciate that, given the long personal and political connection between the Hay family and the late Lord Bannside, he would have wished to be here, but I am sure that the House will join me in wishing the Speaker a speedy recovery.”

Another fellow citizen, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “First, I want to wish our Speaker, William Hay, well.

“He is presently in hospital, and I hope that he recovers very quickly indeed.”

The SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said: “Like others who spoke, I wish our Speaker, Willie Hay, a speedy recovery to good health, because we miss him, and I am saddened that he is not able to be with us here today.”

The UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said: “As I begin, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, may I, on behalf of my party, send our best wishes to the Speaker?

“You acknowledged that Willie Hay has been taken unwell.

“The Ulster Unionist Party wishes him a full and speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing him back in the Chamber as soon as possible.”