Retired diplomat to head press council
RETIRED diplomat Daithi O Ceallaigh has been appointed the new chairman of the Press Council of Ireland, replacing former head of Trinity College, Dublin, Professor Tom Mitchell.
A graduate of University College, Dublin, Mr O Ceallaigh joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1973, and took up posts in Moscow, London, Belfast, New York, Finland and Estonia, before serving as ambassador to London from 2001 to 2007.
He later became ambassador to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation, and in 2008 headed an Irish team which negotiated the Convention to Prohibit Cluster Munitions, adopted in Dublin by 107 states.
The convention bans all use and possession of the weapons, deeming them to cause unacceptable harm to civilians.
"The level of recognition and respect which the press council has garnered among its stakeholders in a short period of time is a testament to the talents and diligence of my predecessor Tom Mitchell," Mr O Ceallaigh said.
"I look forward to continuing his good work."
The Dublin father of two will take on the role from August 1.
Irish Independent
