Irish Red Cross appoints new secretary general

Former chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions Liam O'Dwyer has been appointed the new secretary general of the Irish Red Cross (IRC).

Mr O’Dwyer, who has also served as the national director of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, replaces Donal Forde following his resignation earlier this year.

Mr Forde’s resignation, which occurred shortly after those of two other senior staff members, was understood to be prompted by disagreements about corporate governance, which was flagged by Mr O’Dwyer as a priority.

“A critical aspect of this role is to ensure the good governance of the organisation. In the current environment, this has taken on a more central position and must not only be achieved but be demonstrated,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

He was previously a general assembly member of the IRC, and served on its finance committee, as well as chairing its audit committee.

IRC chairman Pat Carey said Mr O'Dwyer emerged as the strongest candidate following a thorough recruitment process. "Liam has exceptional credentials in the community and voluntary sector."