Extract from President's Speech

New Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President Padraig Canavan made his inaugural address to members at the President's Lunch by stressing both what Derry-Londonderry could achieve and what the Chamber could deliver to its members. Padraig Canavan said the role of the Chamber was to support its three policy priorities - Digital Derry, City of Culture and higher education expansion - while providing top quality member services.

The President said:

"Like Tony Blair I believe our priorities to be Education, Education and, wait for it, Education. Those who know me have come to appreciate my quiet determination to see this city become a University City. I want you to see what I can see - a city already renowned for its erudition, being equally renowned for its town and gown, for its innovation, for its knowledge, for the gravitational pull that strangely infects all its inhabitants. It's a passion I was born into, it's one that was spurred by my 11+ failure, and it's one that I know a great many here share.

"I can think of no better way to enable this wonderful place to become economically self sufficient - to complement the maiden city's natural beauties with architectural ones, to give it the pride and ambition of youth so necessary for our collective futures - than that granted by a thriving 21st century cradle of research, teaching and community that is a sizeable, successful university.

"Those who know my business are aware of my digital credentials. This Chamber, my Chamber, is unequivocally determined to educate the world to the startling fact that Derry~Londonderry is the best place in Ireland to establish, grow and run a digital business. The first rule of marketing is ‘Declare Victory' and I hereby declare ‘DigitalDerry is Open for Business'."

Canavan added that the Chamber must lobby to ensure that the Northern Ireland Executive and other public bodies deliver what is needed to boost the economy and to allow the private sector to create more jobs. He told Chamber members:

"We need to be brighter so that the powers that be will listen to us. When we get the chance we'll educate them about you and your needs. So it's important that you tell us your needs. Like needing better roads, airports and cheaper technology. Like a bigger university. Like delivery of the Ilex plan. Like lower corporation tax. Like a responsive local government that works. Like a peaceful future."