The former RTÉ and BBC journalist Mr Jim Dougal has been appointed head of the European Commission representation in the UK, it was announced yesterday.
Mr Dougal has headed the North's EC office in Belfast since 1997, when he succeeded Ms Jane Morrice, who is now a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
His appointment, which he takes up in London on July 1st, was welcomed yesterday by Mr Romano Prodi, the Commission President. "This appointment will be important in maintaining and building upon the UK's links with the Commission, especially at this crucial stage in the EU's evolution. We are therefore delighted to have someone with Jim Dougal's knowledge and experience in such a key role," he said.
Mr Dougal (57) was a former Northern editor of RTÉ news. He joined BBC Northern Ireland in 1990 as political editor.
He will be responsible for media relations with the Commission throughout Britain and the North. He will also report to the Commission on events in the UK.
He told The Irish Times: "I will be taking up this post at a particularly exciting time for the UK and the European Union. The UK could be heading for a referendum on the euro, the Prime Minister has said the UK must be a leader in Europe and we have future enlargement which could see 28 countries in the union within the next few years. We also have a convention which is considering the future institutional role of the union."