Today will see one of the most historically significant sittings of the Assembly when the Speaker announces the resignation of Mr David Trimble as First Minister.
When the Assembly begins at midday the Speaker, Lord Alderdice, will inform the House he has received two letters from Mr Trimble.
In one, sent eight weeks ago, Mr Trimble resigns his post, and in the other he informs Lord Alderdice that he has designated the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, "to exercise the functions of the office of First Minister".
As Mr Trimble is effectively obliging the Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, to leave his office, they and Sir Reg would be entitled to make personal statements to the House. Other party leaders would then be permitted to respond.
There is no indication, however, that Mr Trimble, Mr Mallon or Sir Reg intend to make such statements.
By not doing so they may feel they are preventing the other parties from indulging in point-scoring.
There can be no substantial discussion of Mr Trimble's resignation in the House until a motion is approved by the Assembly Business Committee, which will meet tomorrow. However, there was no such motion in front of it at close of business on Friday. Speaking to the BBC on Saturday, Sir Reg said he did not intend to take up the trappings of the office of First Minister. He is not expected to use Mr Trimble's former office and it is unclear if he will sit in the seat normally occupied by the First Minister in the Assembly.
After the Speaker makes his announcement, business will proceed as normal, with the first stage of the Local Government (Best Value) Bill, followed later by questions to the Ministers of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment and Social Development.