Social Development Minister addresses NIGAG
16/04/08

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, today addressed NIGAG members in the Long Gallery at Stormont.

She told NIGAG members of the value she placed in the organisation.

"I believe that the creation of your organisation, and its subsequent growth and development, is in fact another positive sign of the changing face of politics here - and of the maturing of our political system," she said. 

"In the past year government has been transformed and with that has come a transformation of expectations, possibilities, and access.   

"It has also, I would suggest, and you might agree, transformed the prospects for the development of professional political and public affairs work.

 

"But let me be candid here. I believe that the lobbying of politicians and government institutions is an entirely proper and legitimate activity.  I support the role that the professional political strategist and the Public Affairs advisor can play not only in representing their clients but in bringing stakeholder insight and perspective into the policy-making process.  

"I believe the public affairs profession in Northern Ireland sets a high standard. I believe also that your foresight in forming NIGAG and your commitment to the Code of Professional Conduct augur well for the future."

The full text of Ms Ritchie\'s speech is available on the NIGAG Blog.

The event was the latest in NIGAG\'s Meet The Minister series. Full details of future NIGAG events are on the Calendar pages of the site.

For Further Information contact NIGAG\'s Communications Officer, Jonathan Traynor on 07527 717 128

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