Leadership Forum with Mr. Michael McDowell, T.D.  1.12.2007

  Send any photo as an ecard to your friends!

On Friday morning, January 12th, The Leadership Form welcomed Mr. Michael McDowell, T.D. Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) & Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as guest speaker at a round table discussion held at the AIF offices on Park Avenue.

Leader of the Progressive Democrats party, Mr. McDowell is one of the most prominent politicians in Ireland today. Among the issues within his portfolio, he is responsible for the Northern Ireland Peace Process and policies regarding crime and immigration, a major issue in Ireland today. Members of the forum had the opportunity for an in-depth discussion with the Minister about current developments in Ireland as well as pertinent Irish-American issues. He spoke of how the American Ireland Fund was a “shining beacon” to so many who are in need in Ireland and, in particular, to those who were suffering form sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland.

The Tánaiste spoke also about his hopes for the development of philanthropy in Ireland and again complimented the Fund on the role it has taken in progressing this. He said that the relationship between Ireland and the US was as strong as it has ever been. He noted the significant investment by both countries in each other’s economy and the constant traffic of citizens traveling from one country to the other.

On behalf of the Fund, Loretta Brennan Glucksman thanked the Tánaiste and congratulated him in particular on his work to ensure the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Photo Index

1. Guests enjoying the discussion
2. John Healy, An Tánaiste Michael McDowell, Tim O'Connor, Ned Cloonan
3. Welcome
4. Joe Browne, John Duffy, An Tánaiste Michael McDowell, Tim O'Connor
5. Kieran McLoughlin, Tim O'Connor, Tara McCabe and An Tánaiste
6. An Tánaiste, Loretta Brennan Glucksman
7. Loretta Brennan Glucksman and An Tánaiste
8. Joe McAlinden, An Tánaiste, Kevin Murray