2 April 2008
The resignation of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern next month will be a loss to best practice people management given his contribution to employment relations for over 20 years.
Michael McDonnell, Director of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD Ireland), said: 'Mr Ahern was key to the success of ‘social partnership’ over the past 21 years. Last year the Institute was proud to present him with the inaugural Charles E. Jacob medal recognising his contribution to good employment relations.'
He played the leading role in designing and delivering the 1990 Industrial Relations Act and in securing six of the past seven national wage agreements with the trades unions and employer bodies.
'As Minister for Labour, Finance and then Taoiseach he showed a rare talent and competence in the area of employment relations,' Mr McDonnell said.