Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases - Sharing will boost the Economy say Business Leaders

30 April 2009

Business leaders will consider the potential for improved community relations to boost Northern Ireland’s future economic prospects at a conference in Newtownabbey today (Thursday April 30, 2009).

Speakers at the Community Relations Council (CRC) event this morning (Thursday April 30, 2009) in the Corr’s Corner Hotel will include keynote speaker Sir Roy McNulty, who received his knighthood for services to economic development in Northern Ireland.

Delegates at the flagship event of Community Relations Week will also be addressed by CRC chairman Tony McCusker and chief executive Duncan Morrow.

A panel discussion will feature Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI); prominent Derry businessman Garvan O’Doherty; and Peter Bunting of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

The discussions will outline what is being done and what needs to be done to address legacy barriers and challenges, and ensure that Northern Ireland’s economic potential is no longer compromised by segregation and its effects.

Tony McCusker says: “To be successful in the future, the economy needs all the support it can get now. What it certainly doesn’t need is to be further hampered by the legacy of division which continues to weigh it down.”

“There is a very fundamental link between the economy and the division that exists in our society, and this half day conference seeks to connect the imperative of peacebuilding with the economic and social future. Investing to address the legacy of division is a very important investment in the future potential of the economy,” Mr McCusker adds.

Sir Roy McNulty says: “One of the key enablers for delivering successful regeneration in Derry~Londonderry is continued progress with good community relations. In this respect, we all need to work together to make a reality of the Executive’s vision - a shared and better future, based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.”

Educated at Portora Royal School in Northern Ireland, Sir Roy McNulty received a knighthood in 1998 for services to economic development. Sir Roy has been chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority since 2001, and Deputy Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority since 2006.

He was chairman of National Air Traffic Services (NATS) from 1999 to 2001 and, prior to that, chief executive and chairman of Shorts Brothers plc. Sir Roy has also been President of the Society of British Aerospace Companies and chairman of the Department of Trade and Industry Aviation Committee.

In 2007, Sir Roy was appointed chair of Ilex, the urban regeneration company for the Derry City Council area.

More information about the conference and Community Relations Week at www.nicrc.org.uk.

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Media contact:

Chris Harrison, JPR: 028 9076 0066, 077 6641 7550 or chris.harrison@jprni.com