The lecture, entitled: ‘Hope and History’, was part of the Queen’s Policy Engagement (QPol) series at the University and his first public lecture as part of his honorary professorship at the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. 

Involved in politics for over 50 years, Mr McLaughlin served as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2015 until 2016, Principal Deputy Speaker from 2013 until 2015, Assembly Private Secretary to the Minister for Education 2011- 2013 and as an MLA for Foyle from 1998 - 2003 and South Antrim from 2007 until his retirement in 2016.

Mr McLaughlin was also Chairman and later General Secretary of Sinn Finn.

In his role as Honorary Professor, Mr McLaughlin will take part in workshops and masterclasses with students and will participate in events at the University.