New York Dinner Committee Meeting - 4.9.08

Northern Ireland’s First Minister drops by

Dr. Ian Paisley, First Minister of Northern Ireland, was a guest of honor at the meeting of the New York Dinner Committee on April 9th. On behalf of the Dinner Committee he was welcomed by Bob McCann, this year’s co –chair along with Kip Condron. Mr. McCann spoke of the transformational phase Northern Ireland has entered. He spoke of how excited the Fund was by the developments and how the Fund was committed to playing its part in building a new society in Northern Ireland. Mr. McCann spoke of the Fund’s plan to make a major gift to PeacePlayers at this year’s dinner to bring young Catholics and Protestants together through the great American sport of basketball.

Dr. Paisley spoke of how pleased he was to be back in New York. He commended the Fund for the support that it had given so many projects across Northern Ireland during the difficult times of the Troubles. He spoke of the need to invest in the next generation in Northern Ireland and to ensure that their future is shared.

Dr. Paisley spoke about the attractiveness of Northern Ireland as an investment location. It had one of the youngest and best educated population in the region. Many important US businesses had established a presence there and he encouraged the Dinner Committee Members to consider doing the same.

Following Dr. Paisley’s departure the Committee, reflecting the success of its campaign, increased the target for this year’s dinner which is an extraordinary move in such difficult circumstances.

Photos
1 - Bob McCann, Kieran McLoughlin, Ian Paisley
2 - Ian Paisley
3 - Kieran McLoughlin, Bob McCann
4 - Bill Booker, Dan Williams
5 - Bob McCann, Ian Paisley
6 - NY Dinner Committe
7 - Tom Ryan, Brendan O Caillai
8 - Kieran McLoughlin, Ian Paisley, Bill Booker

Info
Kieran McLoughlin
T - 212-689-3100
E - kmcloughlin@irlfunds.org