Gerry Naughton:
Ex Director of Communications 1997-2002
As Political Director at Fine Gael between 2002 and 2007 I led the full time Management Team which supports the party across the areas of policy, communications and organisation.
Based in Leinster House I worked especially closely with the Party Leader, Front Bench spokespersons and other Oireachtas members.
The period 1997-2002 was a particularly challenging time for the Institute as it helped to shape a new regulatory regime for the profession and forged a new relationship with Government. I especially enjoyed the sense of teamwork and common purpose of the staff there along with the dedication of the members of the Institute who served on council and became Officers.
Before coming to the Institute in 1997, I had spent my career in the civil service. I found the ICAI to be a small but dynamic member driven organisation.
What do I miss? The odd quiet day...I don't get too many in politics! I certainly enjoyed the North South dimension to the Institute and at a time when political progress is gradually moving us closer to an all island economy, there must be a great opportunity for the ICAI and its members to exploit its strength in both parts of the island.