McHugh congratulates British Ambassador on new appointment

The appointment of the British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Julian King, to the post of Director General of the Northern Ireland Office is a positive development for North-South and British-Irish relations, the Co-Chairman of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Joe McHugh TD, has said today.

Speaking after the announcement of Mr King's appointment, Mr McHugh commented: "On behalf of my colleagues in the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Julian King, on his recent appointment to this very important position.

"As Ambassador to Dublin since 2009, Mr King has been exemplary in the promotion of an even stronger relationship between Ireland and the UK, as demonstrated through this year's visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland that Ambassador King was instrumental in organising.

"He has also played an active and constructive role in the work of bodies such as the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, where I have found him to be an enthusiastic participant.

"At a time when North-South cooperation on economic and social matters is becoming increasingly important, the appointment of Mr King to the most senior role in the Northern Ireland Office will help the development and deepening of relationships throughout the island as we increasingly work together on matters of mutual interest.

"I wish him the very best in his new post."

ENDS