Dr Adrian Johnston, the newly appointed Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, has welcomed new appointments to the Fund’s Board announced today by the British and Irish Governments.

Dr Johnston, who was first appointed to the Board on 1 March 2009, welcomed three new Board Members: Ms Dorothy Clarke who is a graduate of NUI Galway and is a former CEO of Leitrim County Enterprise Board; Mrs Siobhan Fitzpatrick who is the Chief Executive of Early Years and previously worked in Health and Social Services; and Mr Billy Gamble who is a former senior civil servant who was responsible for developing a number of key government policies in community relations. Ms Rose-Mary Farrell, Mr David Graham OBE, and Mr Winston Patterson will continue as Board Members for a second three-year term.

Dr Johnston said: “The International Fund for Ireland is a unique body, independent of governments, which is able to act responsively and flexibly in support of those communities that wish to move forward in a spirit of peace and reconciliation. With the continued support of our international donors, I believe we can continue to serve all those who, day and daily, work on the ground throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties to positively transform the lives of communities and individuals.”

Dr Johnston paid tribute to his predecessor, Dr Denis Rooney CBE, for his leadership; particularly in terms of setting a very clear strategic direction for the Fund. Dr Rooney was instrumental in the development of the Fund’s Sharing This Space Strategy which included many very significant interventions, such as the Sharing in Education Programme and the Shared Neighbourhood Programme. Dr Rooney was also at the forefront of the Fund’s most recent intervention in relation to Peace Walls in Northern Ireland.

Dr Johnston also paid tribute to outgoing Board Members Mrs Anne Henderson and Ms Mary Southwell for their enthusiasm, energy and tireless service to the International Fund for Ireland.

The full Board of the International Fund for Ireland is:

• Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman
• Ms Rose-Mary Farrell
• Mr David Graham OBE
• Mr Winston Patterson
• Ms Dorothy Clarke
• Mrs Siobhan Fitzpatrick
• Mr Billy Gamble