Arnold named chair of reform body

Concern chief executive Tom Arnold has been appointed chairman of the Constitutional Convention.

Concern chief executive Tom Arnold has been appointed chairman of the Constitutional Convention.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil he would be making a formal statement on the appointment later today with Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.

Mr Kenny said he had informed opposition leaders Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil and Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin of the decision to appoint Mr Arnold, who is also chair of The Irish Times Trust.

Concern had risen over the delay in the appointment of a chair for the convention, which will discuss a limited number of topics in the coming months.

The Taoiseach has previously stated the recommendations of the convention will not gather dust and the Government will act on its proposals.

Sixty members of the public will be selected by random sampling to be part of the convention and to reflect all ages and social groupings in Irish society.

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Marie O’Halloran

Marie O’Halloran

Marie O’Halloran is Parliamentary Correspondent of The Irish Times
Michael O'Regan

Michael O'Regan

Michael O’Regan is a former parliamentary correspondent of The Irish Times