THE appointment of the former head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to the board of Co-operation Ireland has been described as "an inspiring move for the organisation".
Sir Malcolm McKibbin, who was the most senior advisor to the former First and Deputy First ministers, will join the board on September 26, following his recent retirement.
Mr McKibbin, who was also secretary to the Northern Ireland Executive, had been chairing talks between political parties in Northern Ireland in an attempt to re-establish devolution.
Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland, said Mr McKibbin would bring "a wealth of experience to Co-operation Ireland and his skills complement those of other board members such (as) former Taoiseach, John Bruton and former First Minister, Peter Robinson".
"As Co-operation Ireland continues to play a leading role in the development and sustaining of Anglo-Irish relations, as well nurturing cross-community relations within Northern Ireland and building confidence and linkages across the island of Ireland, it is important that we are able to avail of the expertise of Sir Malcolm in order to provide continued strategic direction for the organisation," he said.
"This is a very positive development for Co-operation Ireland as we embark on a challenging programme of initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing relationships within Northern Ireland, across Ireland and between the UK and Ireland".
Mr McKibbin said: "I think the work of Co-operation Ireland is crucial at this stage especially given the challenges that both Brexit and the current stalemate at Stormont present across the island of Ireland and between the UK and Ireland".
