The Confederation of European Councillors announced the appointment of a new Partnership Manager at the launch of its annual Yearbook and Diary at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan on Saturday, 17th January.

The positive dynamics of cross-border cooperation and friendship were very much in view at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan, as the venue played host to a large number of local representatives on 17th January for the third annual launch of the Confederation's Yearbook and Diary. The launch provided a solid platform to announce the beginning of the Peace II funded programme, and the appointment of a new Partnership Manager.

The Irish Minister for Education and Science, Mr.Noel Dempsey TD (himself a former General Secretary of LAMA) and Mr. John Ritchie, the Secretary of Local Government at the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment, were guests of honour at the launch. Minister Dempsey said that the occasion gave him the opportunity to renew acquaintances and that he had a particular interest in the yearbook and diary, as he was involved in the production of the first LAMA yearbook.

John Ritchie described the work of the CEC and the launch as "an example on which we can build for the future".

Chairman Mr. Jim Walsh highlighted the fact that the Confederation was unique in that it may be the only assembly of public representatives that had every political party on the island bar one among its ranks. Senator Walsh pointed out that the diary only represented part of what the CEC does, as seen through the joint conference in Prague in 2003 and the recent successful application for PEACE II funding. He stated, "We can help each other achieve our own goals in the service of local government, while at the same time respecting our own political aspirations".

The Chairperson of Monaghan County Council Rosaleen O'Hanlon MCC and the Monaghan Town Council Chaiman Sean Conlon both welcomed members and guests to the Hillgrove. Other speakers included NAC chairman Bertie Montgomery and LAMA chairman Michael Lawlor MCC.

The new Partnership Manager John Devaney described the yearbook/diary as an important source of information and awareness and a crucial starting point in what promises to be a busy year ahead.

Special praise and thanks were expressed to Willie McKenna MCC for his work on the launch, and to Senator James Bannon who was stepping aside in June under the new dual mandate rules. Presentataions were made to Noel Dempsey TD and John Ritchie by the NAC and LAMA chairmen.

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