Present: Eileen Dunne, Martin Alioth, Tim Ryan, Kevin Healy, Mike Burns, Simone Rapple, Tom MacSweeney, Rodney Rice, Andrew Sheppard, Dermot Scott, Seán MacCartaigh, Joe Carroll and Michael Fisher.
The Secretary, Martin Alioth, gave an account of the past year including the speakers who addressed the Association and the AGM in Turkey. Highlight for the Irish section was the election of Eileen Dunne as International President. She was the first woman ever to be elected President in the 50 year history of the Association.
Eileen Dunne reported on ongoing events at international level including the work of Press Freedom Officer William Horseley. She said the AEJ had now obtained observer status at the OECD and thee were increasing number of requests to attend various meetings.
Eileen said she was glad that International Secretary Peter Kramer had agreed to remain in office for a further two years.
She said there the next Executive Committee meeting is in Turkey in March. She also said that preparations had already started for the 50th anniversary of the AEJ which will be in 2012 and it was hoped this event might be staged in San Remo where the Association held its first meeting.
Treasurer Tim Ryan reported that the AEJ was in reasonable financial health. He thanked OSK for sponsoring the annual accounts and filing to the CRO. He outlined the main income and expenditure areas of the past year and asked those present if they could recruit one new member each during the year.
There was some discussion on potential speakers for 2001 and the names of the new Taoiseach, some outspoken Independent TDs and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary were suggested. It was also suggested that a lunch in Belfast be investigated.
The following officers were elected for 2011: Chair: Martin Alioth, Secretary: Eileen Dunne, Treasurer: Tim Ryan. Committee: Seosamhín Ni Bheaglaoich, Shane Harrison, Lorna Reid, Joe Carroll and Simone Rapple.
The meeting then concluded.