A CENTRE for conflict intervention is to be established at NUI Maynooth, the Taoiseach announced yesterday.
The Kennedy Centre for Conflict Intervention will be set up in honour of the late Senator Edward M Kennedy, Brian Cowen said.
The first of its kind in Ireland, the centre will specialise in conflict resolution, mediation, leadership and civic engagement.
It will be housed in a new building on the NUI campus to be named after Kennedy.
The first executive director of the centre will be Peter Cassells, former general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
The Taoiseach and Prof John Hughes, president of NUI Maynooth, met Jean Kennedy Smith, Victoria Kennedy and members of the Kennedy family prior to yesterday’s announcement.
Mr Cowen said that the centre was a further acknowledgment of Mr Kennedy’s immense commitment to Ireland, and in particular his crucial role in helping to bring about a situation of peace in Northern Ireland.
“The initiative is also in recognition of the senator’s lifelong promotion of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process,” he said.
