Speaker praises Government Affairs Group

William Hay MLA, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, has a praised the work of the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group.

Speaking at a reception in Stormont hosted by him to celebrate 10 year’s existence of the Group, the Speaker outlined the important role of public affairs professionals.

“It is an important one… important for the organisations that you represent; important for the MLAs with whom you interact,” he told guests.

“It’s important that it is done well, and to the highest standards of conduct,” he said. “With that in mind, NIGAG has played an important role in drawing up its own Code of Conduct, to which all members have committed. Responsible, accountable public affairs are to be welcomed, and NIGAG is to be commended for its proactive approach to these matters.”

NIGAG exists to provide a forum for those with an interest in government and political affairs primarily in Northern Ireland, but also in political matters at Westminster, in the Irish Republic and indeed in Europe, NIGAG Chairman, Will Chambré, told guests.

“In stimulating debate and interaction among members – who represent all sections of civil society in Northern Ireland – NIGAG’s annual programme of events plays a valuable role in informing the government policy making process,” Mr Chambré, Managing Director of Chambré Public Affairs LLP, emphasised.

Glyn Roberts, one of NIGAG’s current Vice–Chairmen and a former Chairman, stressed the role of members over the past decade.

“Whether it was direct rule or devolution, NIGAG has provided leadership to Northern Ireland’s ever growing Public Affairs industry,” Mr Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Retail Trade Association, explained to guests.

“Public Affairs conducted in a professional way is an integral part of the democratic process and enables organisations of all types, representing all strands of society, to get their policy priorities across to the Northern Ireland Assembly and to influence its agenda," he said.

Politicians who joined in the NIGAG celebration included Shadow Northern Ireland Minister Laurence Robertson MP, Ian Paisley Junior MLA, Basil McCrea MLA, Cllr Bernie Kelly, Cllr Jim Kirkpatrick, Patsy McGlone MLA, Alistair Ross MLA, and Alan Mc Farland MLA.

Among the NIGAG representatives present were former Chairman Tom Sullivan and Breedagh Hughes, and current Vice-Chairman Gerry Carson.