EU GROUP:THE EUROPEAN Movement Ireland (Emi) has announced the appointment of businessman Maurice Pratt as its new chairman. The move was "one of several initiatives designed to highlight the profile and work of the organisation over the next few months", a statement from the organisation said.
The EMI, which last year received €250,000 from the Department of Foreign Affairs, was part of the drive for Irish membership of the European Economic Community, predecessor of the EU, in 1973.
In last year’s Lisbon Treaty referendum the organisation adopted what it described as “a different role” by organising debates about the treaty with speakers from each side.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Pratt said: “Now more than ever it is vital that Ireland redefines what role it hopes to play in Europe and what relationship we would like to have with our European partners. European Movement Ireland has a young, innovative team that is bringing a more balanced discussion on Europe to the Irish people.”
Mr Pratt is the non-executive chairman and board director of Bank of Scotland Ireland and formerly chief executive officer of CC, managing director of Tesco Ireland and president of the employers’ organisation Ibec.
