Local lobbyists to visit Dail

A delegation of leading local lobbyists from the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group are to embark on fact finding mission to the Dail on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The lobbyists, which includes Affairs Group chairman Glyn Roberts, will meet with Government Ministers and officials including Leader of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny and former Labour leader Ruari Quinn.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Roberts said: “While most our lobbying activity would take place locally or at Westminster, it is nevertheless important that we learn about how political structures operate with our neighbours in the South.

“Our delegation will be meeting with Party Leaders and Government Ministers to get a briefing on key developments within Irish Politics, but perhaps more importantly we are very keen to establish new relationships on behalf of our membership.

“It is crucial that Civic Society in Northern Ireland make these key contacts to influence the broader policy agenda of the political parties in the South”

The affairs Group delegation also plan to meet Green party Leader Trevor Sargent, Health Minister Tim O’Malley, Fianna Fail's Martin Mansergh and Sinn Fein's Caoimhghin O’ Caolain.

The Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group is the representative group for all those involved in political lobbying in Northern Ireland, with its membership drawn from across local civic society.

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