IoD ’ s newly appointed Belfast-born Director General Stephen Martin addresses IoD NI ’ s Annual Dinner
Stephen Martin , James Brokenshire , Ian Sheppard , Catriona Gibson , Dale Guest etting the question of the border the front line in negotiations over the UK ’ s between Northern Ireland and the exit from the EU ".
GRepublic right will be the “ litmus test of A recent IoD survey , conducted with its a successful Brexit ”, the newly appointed sister organisation in Dublin , found 10 per Director General of the Institute of Directors cent of IoD members in Northern Ireland and ( IoD ) has said . a quarter of IoD Ireland members had
Belfastborn Stephen Martin was employees that commute across the border . addressing more than 200 delegates at the Mr Martin added : “ Both the UK and Irish IoD Northern Ireland Annual Dinner , governments have stated they do not want a sponsored by Bank of Ireland and Arthur Cox . ‘ hard ’ border put in place – and we welcome
Delegates at the event , a highlight of the that commitment – but we know this will just corporate social calendar , were also be one issue among many in broader Brexit addressed by Secretary of State for Northern negotiations with the EU . Ireland James Brokenshire .
“ Getting the question of Northern Ireland ’ s
Mr Martin , who took up the post of Director border with the Republic right will be the General last week , said he had joined the litmus test for a successful Brexit .” organisation at an “ interesting time ”.
In his speech , IoD Northern Ireland “ In just the last few weeks , we have seen Chairman Ian Sheppard , described the recent the UK Government compelled by the dissolution of the Northern Ireland Assembly Supreme Court to seek the approval of the as “ simply not good enough ”. Westminster Parliament before beginning He said : “ This is no time for Northern Brexit proceedings , while in Northern
Ireland to be losing its institutions of Ireland , the resignation of the Deputy First government – while the Prime Minister and Minister has triggered new Assembly her team are strapping on the pads to go into elections , now just weeks away . bat on what are potentially the most
“ You do not need me to tell you that important negotiations for over 40 years and political uncertainty has been dialled up a which could set the economic course ahead notch for businesses here in Northern for decades , sadly we in Northern Ireland are
Ireland .” still in the pavilion sticking election posters He said he chose to deliver his first speech on the notice board . as Director General in Northern Ireland
“ However , when the dust has settled and all because local firms were “ in many ways , on is said and done , we are going to need words
of grace , a time of healing , and leaders who have a vision to lift themselves above the parochial , can stretch themselves beyond their own constituency and make compromises to restore fullyfunctioning institutions . The next few months will be a real test of our political maturity .”
Dale Guest , Director Corporate Banking Northern Ireland , Bank of Ireland added :
“ Like Bank of Ireland , the IoD has a strong and ambitious track record in creating great leaders that have grown businesses and made Northern Ireland a great place to do business .
“ We are proud to sponsor the IoD and look forward to continuing that longstanding close partnership and support into the future .”
Catriona Gibson , Managing Partner of Arthur Cox , commented : “ Arthur Cox is proud to support the IoD in its work to develop better business leaders and improve the local economy across a wide range of key sectors . “ We provide strategic counsel to many leading businesses across Northern Ireland , from family enterprises to large corporates , for whom the IoD Annual Dinner is always a highlight on the business calendar .
“ We are especially delighted to continue our longstanding sponsorship of the event as this year it marks the start of Belfastborn Stephen Martin ’ s tenure as the IoD ’ s new Director General .”
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