An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was the Keynote Speaker at the Derry Chamber Autumn Gala Lunch. Speaking to over 300 members and guests, the Taoiseach spoke of the enormous respect our city's Chamber has the length and breadth of the Island of Ireland.

He said "Derry has every right to be proud of its Chamber. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the leadership of its Chief Executive Janice Tracey and the long line of high profile business leaders that have graced the office of Chamber President down the years. The City and the entire North West region is fortunate to have such as effective and forward-looking organisation working to advance its interests".

Ian Crowe, Chamber President in his introductory remarks paid great tribute to Mr Aherns contribution to the peace process saying:

"Our local political leaders have all taken brave and courageous decisions and you, Taoiseach have played no small part in the key events which will shape all our futures for generations to come. We, the business community in the North West on both sides of the border acknowledge that without the courage and leadership from you all, we would not be in the progressive position we are today."

Mr Crowe commented on the remarkable phenomenon of the successful Irish economy saying:

"The business community in the North West has, of course, an intense interest also in how it has been done. We would be keen to give that impressive tiger the freedom of the City should it wish to put its nose across the Border with Donegal."

The Chamber President thanked the Irish Government and Mr Ahern personally for their emphasis on cross border support and outlined the very many ways in which this support had manifested, mentioning particularly the Airport and the future developments on the Derry/Dublin road infrastructure.

IMPLEMENTATION ON THE GROUND NECESSARY

He concluded: "We urge that this work on North South co-operation should be given all possible urgency and that a strong and early emphasis should be on visible implementation on the ground. No matter how fine and visionary a strategy may be it is worth nothing unless it is delivered. This Chamber is willing to play a constructive role in co-operation with all Departments and agencies north and south in helping to make the frameworks set out in the National Development Plan a reality at local level."

Mr Ahern, who walked to the podium to amid deafening applause talked about the very positive outlook that is on the horizon for this city and region.

He said" he looked forward to a bright future for the North West region. Referring to what he calls the economic miracle of the Celtic Tiger and the potential miracle of the peace process, he said "This shows what we can achieve if we work together and put our minds to it. If the people of this city and this region can achieve what you have already achieved, then there should be no limits on your future ambitions. I look to you to, the business leaders and innovators of the North West, to channel your fresh thinking and your energy towards building a brighter future for everyone on this part of the island."