Alliance Party MLA Eileen Bell will act as the presiding officer of the Northern Ireland assembly when the body is recalled in May.

Ulster secretary Peter Hain said he was delighted that she had agreed to take up the post.

Bell, MLA for North Down since June 1998, faces the task of presiding over an initial period of horse-trading during which it is not expected that agreement will be reached on forming a power-sharing executive.

The British and Irish governments will recall the assembly on May 15, with the parties being given six weeks to elect an executive.

If that fails, there will be another attempt to resume devolution after the summer recess, with November 24 set as a final deadline.

As a member of the cross-community Alliance Party, her position in the chair is likely to be welcomed by both nationalists and unionists.

"Eileen is hugely respected across the political and community divide in Northern Ireland," said Hain.

"She gets on with everyone and brings a wealth of experience to the post.

"I am very pleased that she has agreed to take up this important post of presiding officer and I am sure that she will do a great job.

"Today is the eighth anniversary of the agreement and this is a crucial period for Northern Ireland's politicians.

"They must decide if they want to work in a democratically elected and accountable assembly, or do they want to remain outside, unable to make decisions on behalf of those people who they represent."