The outgoing Minister for the Marine, Mr Barrett, has appointed a former Green Isle Food Group director, Mr Pat Ridge, as the new chairman of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). The position had been vacant since April when the then incumbent, Mr Mark FitzGerald, became Fine Gael's director of elections.

A native of Co Galway, Mr Ridge (43) had been with Green Isle for 11 years until this May. He has extensive experience in the food industry and was very associated with strategy in the Green Isle group. Commenting on the appointment, the Minister said that he was particularly pleased that he had accepted the appointment. Mr Ridge would "bring energy and initiative" to the position of chairman, Mr Barrett said. The chief executive of BIM, Mr Pat Keogh, also welcomed the announcement.