Bertie Ahern to speak in Derry

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will address an economic conference in Derry next month.
Bertie Ahern will address the conference in Derry.Bertie Ahern will address the conference in Derry.
Bertie Ahern will address the conference in Derry.

The Northern Ireland Economic Conference being staged in Derry for the first time on October 19.

The event is the main annual economic analysis event in the north each year.

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The conference, which is now in its 21st year, provides a forum for business leaders and economic policy-makers to take a day out to examine the performance of, and prospects for, the local economy.

(L-R) Leo Murphy, North West College; Stephen Gillespie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; John Kelpie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Brian McGrath, Londonderry Port; Damien Gallagher, Seagate; deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA; Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Lynda Millar, agendaNi.(L-R) Leo Murphy, North West College; Stephen Gillespie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; John Kelpie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Brian McGrath, Londonderry Port; Damien Gallagher, Seagate; deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA; Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Lynda Millar, agendaNi.
(L-R) Leo Murphy, North West College; Stephen Gillespie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; John Kelpie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Brian McGrath, Londonderry Port; Damien Gallagher, Seagate; deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA; Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Lynda Millar, agendaNi.

Bertie Ahern will address the conference on the impact of Brexit on the all island economy.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will open the event.

This year’s conference comes at a pivotal time as the north faces exit from the EU whilst still not fully recovered from the 2007 global economic crash.

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Derry City and Strabane District Council are host the event at the City Hotel.

(L-R) Leo Murphy, North West College; Stephen Gillespie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; John Kelpie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Brian McGrath, Londonderry Port; Damien Gallagher, Seagate; deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA; Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Lynda Millar, agendaNi.(L-R) Leo Murphy, North West College; Stephen Gillespie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; John Kelpie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Brian McGrath, Londonderry Port; Damien Gallagher, Seagate; deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA; Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Lynda Millar, agendaNi.
(L-R) Leo Murphy, North West College; Stephen Gillespie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; John Kelpie, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Brian McGrath, Londonderry Port; Damien Gallagher, Seagate; deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA; Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Lynda Millar, agendaNi.

Speaking at the launch, Mr McClintock said: “This event provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase our city and district to visiting policy makers and business leaders and be part of a series of discussions on the opportunities that are available for economic development and prosperity for our Council area and wider North West region.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will open the conference with a keynote address setting out the Executive’s priorities for economic growth and addressing the challenges which the local economy currently faces.

High on the agenda will be issues around Brexit, with the ongoing uncertainty around what this will mean for local businesses and the economy, particularly in border areas.

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While there is a strong north west and cross-border contingent of speakers at this 21st annual conference, including Brian McGrath, Foyle Port; Paddy Nixon, Ulster University; Leo Murphy, North West College; Gavin Killeen, Derry’s Chamber of Commerce; Michael Tunney, Donegal County Council and Paul Hannigan, Letterkenny IT the event has also attracted a high profile panel of visiting speakers.

Delegates will also hear from Chris Giles, the Economics Editor of the Financial Times as well as speakers from the OECD and Finland.

The conference is being organised by agendaNi with the support of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Foyle Port.

Limited delegate places are still available for anyone wishing to attend.