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.

Welcoming the appointment Professor Richard English, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation and Engagement at Queen’s, said: “Mitchel McLaughlin has played a key role in local politics for over 50 years, and in his work as Assembly Speaker he was widely respected. His significant breadth of experience will complement the work of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice and I look forward very much to his contribution over the next three years." 

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.

Mr McLaughlin will give his public first lecture as part of the Queen’s Policy Engagement (QPol) series on Tuesday, 26 June 2018, entitled: ‘Hope and History’.

The lecture will be free and open to the public. Details regarding registration will be released in due course via Queen's social media channels.

Media

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