THE new chairman of the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group (NIGAG), Will Chambré, today called for greater engagement between politicians and all parts of society.

NIGAG is the organisation for public affairs professionals.

After his election as chair during NIGAG’s AGM, Mr Chambré said public affairs and lobbying gives politicians the chance to engage in a two-way conversation to improve Northern Ireland.

“Devolution means more accountability in politics,” he said. “It also means that public affairs professionals can relay key issues directly to our MLAs.

“NIGAG’s nine-year history has seen a consistent growth in professional public affairs.

“In thanking my predecessors, I recognise the firm foundations that they have built to help develop lobbying in Northern Ireland as an ethical and expert industry.”

At present there are over 200 members of NIGAG, ranging from individual members, through to public and private sector corporate members and voluntary and community groups.

“Our members reflect almost all aspects of life in Northern Ireland, and are the base that our politicians can engage with when they need expertise, or to identify the issues affecting the public.

Among forthcoming events for the growing NIGAG membership are several meetings with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers.

To find out more – and to learn about NIGAG and its new committee please visit www.nigag.org.

ENDS

For further information contact Jonathan Traynor on 07917 543953 or Will Chambré on 07736 230585

Notes to editors

1. Caption for attached picture: “Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Willie Hay MLA (centre) with incoming Chairman of the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group, Will Chambré and outgoing Chairman, Breedagh Hughes at NIGAG’s recent AGM.”

2. NIGAG was established in September 1999 to provide a forum for public affairs professionals and those with an interest in government and political affairs in Northern Ireland. To this end, it organises an ongoing programme of events that are designed to both inform its members and allow for networking.  Our members are drawn from all sectors – public, voluntary, community, business, trade union and professional. For further information on the group visit www.nigag.org.