Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note the announcement by the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin, that he intends to step down at the next election. He is very highly regarded by all parties in the Assembly, as indeed was his predecessor, William Hay. It is a practical example of power sharing, which is to be very much commended. Along with the Ceann Comhairle, Mitchel McLaughlin is also the convenor of the North-South Interparliamentary Association, which will meet here at the end of the month.

I also note the success of 17-year-old B.J. Banda, a native of South Africa who is a student at the Royal and Prior School in Raphoe and who scored the winning goal for Finn Harps against Limerick to secure promotion to the first division. His father contested the election to Donegal County Council last year so it remains to be seen whether this will become a political football.