THE resignation of Ms Lelia Doolan as chairwoman of the Irish Film Board has been greeted with surprise and regret within the film industry.
On Sunday evening, after a two day board meeting, the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, announced Ms Doolan's resignation and the appointment of the distinguished documentary maker, Mr Louis Marcus, as chairman.
The independent producer, Mr Morgan O'Sullivan, has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the board caused by Ms Doolan's resignation. The other members are Mr Neil Jordan, Ms Mary Alleguen, Ms Nuala Moiselle, Ms Deirdre Friel and Ms Anne O'Connell.
A former RTE producer, artistic director of the Abbey and director of the Galway Film Fleadh, Ms Doolan was appointed as chairwoman of the IFB in April 1993, and acted as executive chair until the appointment of Mr Rod Stoneman as chief executive later that year.
A forceful lobbyist over many years for increased funding for film making, Ms Doolan is resigning to pursue other interests. She described her three years as chairwoman as "absorbing and enjoyable" and said she now looked forward to "an equally enjoyable view from another part of the scenery".
"Lelia has been at it like a whirlwind for three years. She just frankly wants a rest," said Mr Marcus, who stated that the IFB's policy would continue to be the development of an indigenous film industry.
The chairman of Film Makers Ireland, Mr Ed Guiney, said Ms Doolan's energy and enthusiasm would be sorely missed. He said her contribution has been the key to the recognition of film making as a truly necessary cultural and industrial activity".