Former Fianna Fáil minister appointed Third Age chief executive

Former Fianna Fáil minister of state Áine Brady has been appointed chief executive of Third Age, the Meath-based national voluntary organisation promoting the contribution of older people in local communities.

Ms Brady lost her Kildare North seat in the 2011 general election, having represented the constituency as a TD since 2007. She contested the byelection caused by the appointment of former minister for finance Charlie McCreevy as an EU commissioner, but was unsuccessful.

She became minister of state with responsibility for older people in April 2009. She succeeds Mary Nally, who founded Third Age 25 years ago. The organisation has 1,200 volunteers working throughout Ireland. Ms Nally is moving to a new and part-time position within the organisation.