Presiding Officer.

1 Each Assembly shall as its first business elect from among its members a Presiding Officer and deputies. 2 A person elected Presiding Officer or deputy shall hold office until the conclusion of the next election for Presiding Officer under subsection (1) unless— a he previously resigns; b he ceases to be a member of the Assembly otherwise than by virtue of a dissolution; or c the Assembly elects from among its members a person to hold office as Presiding Officer or deputy in his place. 3 If the Presiding Officer or a deputy ceases to hold office (otherwise than under subsection (2)(c)) before the Assembly is dissolved, the Assembly shall elect another from among its members to fill his place. 4 The Presiding Officer’s functions may be exercised by a deputy if the office of Presiding Officer is vacant or the Presiding Officer is for any reason unable to act. 5 The Presiding Officer may (subject to standing orders) authorise a deputy to exercise functions on his behalf. 6 Standing orders may include provision as to the participation (including voting) of the Presiding Officer and deputies in the proceedings of the Assembly. 7 A person shall not be elected under subsections (1) to (3) without cross-community support.